Statoils

Statoil, formerly Statoil ASA, was a Norwegian state-controlled multinational energy company engaged mainly in oil and gas exploration, development, and production, with activities across the value chain including refining, marketing, and power generation. It originated in 1972 as a government-invested enterprise to manage petroleum activity on the Norwegian continental shelf and became Norway's largest company.

In 2007, Statoil merged with Norsk Hydro's oil and gas division to form StatoilHydro, and in 2009 the firm adopted the Statoil name again. In 2018 the company rebranded as Equinor to reflect a broader energy strategy beyond oil and gas.

Headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, Statoil operated on a global scale, with a major focus on offshore resources in the North Sea and international assets in North America, South America, Africa, and Europe. It pursued a portfolio spanning exploration (E&P), development, production, gas commercialization, and low-emission energy projects, including wind power and carbon capture and storage initiatives.

Ownership was historically concentrated in the Norwegian government, which maintained a controlling stake, reinforcing Statoil’s role as a national champion and strategic asset. Over time, the company shifted toward a more diversified energy company while maintaining core oil and gas operations.

Since the rebranding to Equinor, the Statoil name has largely been retired in corporate branding, though the historical Statoil heritage remains part of Norway’s petroleum history.