NAM plans to adjust its operational structure. The intention is that the small gas and oil fields on land and at sea will be accommodated in four new BVs, for which a new owner can be sought in due course. The Groningen field and the underground storage facilities in Norg and Grijpskerk are not part of the restructuring and will remain an integral part of NAM BV.

NAM director, Johan Atema: 
“We have worked extremely hard in recent years to adapt to the new situation, in which gas extraction from the Groningen field is reduced to zero. But the scope to invest in small fields is currently limited at NAM. We therefore think it would be good if the small fields were eventually taken over by an operator that has more room to invest. This is also in line with the government's aim to keep the small fields policy as high as possible in connection with security of supply. In addition, this would be good for the employment in the regions linked to the small fields. The possible sale of the small fields also makes NAM more robust in the settlement of the closure of the Groningen field.”

The restructuring, in line with the strategy of the NAM shareholders, is aimed at creating more flexibility for a possible sale of parts of NAM. Based on geographical and operational aspects, NAM wants to place the following activities in separate BVs:

• Offshore fields and infrastructure, including the gas treatment plant in Den Helder;
• Gas and oil fields and infrastructure in North and South Holland;
• Gas fields and infrastructure in Friesland, including the Wadden Sea;
• Schoonebeek oil field and the surrounding gas fields and infrastructure in the east of the Netherlands.

This is an important step for NAM and its employees. NAM aims to complete the restructuring in 2022. Johan Atema: 
“The employees and works council have now been informed about the plans. The restructuring itself has no direct consequences for them, but of course we will keep employees informed about the implementation and any further steps in the future.

KeyFacts Energy: NAM Netherlands country profile