Kathmandu— A US-based oil company, Greenland Energy Company, backed by associates of former President Donald Trump, transported drilling equipment to Greenland in May without the necessary permits from the Danish territory’s government, raising questions about potential US intentions toward the strategically important landmass. The shipment, which included an excavator and 15 containers of gear, arrived at Nerlerit Inaat on Greenland's east coast and was delivered by a company called Permagreen; while Greenland’s Energy Ministry stated that the company has not been granted permission to drill in the protected Jameson Land area, Greenland Energy is proceeding with plans for exploratory drilling as early as October.

Unapproved Equipment Delivery

A Danish tugboat delivered the initial shipment of equipment on May 26, 2026, according to investigative reporting from Danwatch. Permagreen confirmed they were contracted by Greenland Energy Company to transport the machinery for oil exploration in Jameson Land. The Greenland Energy Company has been actively promoting its plans on social media, with Stampede Drilling posting images of a drilling rig destined for Greenland and announcing further shipments of equipment from Canada expected around September 12th.

Permitting Issues and Prior Exploration

Despite the lack of official approval, Greenland Energy appears confident in moving forward with its project. However, Greenland ceased issuing new oil drilling licenses in 2021 after decades of unsuccessful exploration and concerns about environmental impact. The company is operating under a license held by UK-based 80 Mile, promising to fund exploration in exchange for a majority share of any revenue generated. While the ministry stated that no drilling will take place this year even if permits are granted, Greenland Energy described recent meetings with authorities as “constructive.”

Trump Associates Linked to Project

Greenland Energy was incorporated shortly after reports surfaced of Trump sending associates to Greenland to meet with local secessionists. The company’s board includes individuals closely connected to the former president, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Trump's special envoy to Greenland, who visited Nuuk in May and advocated for increased US involvement. Carol Craig, CEO of defense contractor Sidus Space—a firm awarded a portion of a $151 billion contract related to Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense network—also serves on the board. Television personality Phil McGraw is producing a documentary series following the drilling operation.

Potential for Annexation?

The timing and connections have fueled speculation about potential US intentions toward Greenland, which Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in annexing, citing national security concerns and rare-earth minerals. While no one involved has publicly discussed annexation, Trump posted an image of himself overlooking Greenland on his Truth Social platform shortly after the equipment arrived, with the caption “Hello, Greenland!” Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has consistently maintained that decisions regarding Greenland rest solely with Denmark and Greenland itself.

Oil Reserves and Project Costs

Greenland Energy believes the Jameson Land Basin may contain up to $1 trillion worth of crude oil. The company plans to invest $60 million in an initial exploratory well, with potential for expansion if results are promising. CEO Robert Price expressed confidence in the presence of oil, stating, “I believe it’s there… But until we drill these wells, we don’t know.”

The situation remains fluid as Greenland Energy prepares to move forward with its exploration plans despite ongoing permitting hurdles and Danish resistance to any potential US attempts at acquiring territory.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.