Responsible tax
A responsible approach to tax is essential for ensuring that the value we create contributes to sustainable development worldwide.
Why responsible tax practices matter
At Maersk we recognise the need for companies to support the local economies in which they do business, and tax is one of the key financial contributions that we as a company can make.
Well-functioning tax systems help finance education, healthcare, transport, infrastructure, and other public services that support sustainable development and trade.

Progress in 2021

Our ambition
Maersk acts responsibly and with integrity in all tax matters, ensuring full compliance in every jurisdiction across the world. We work closely with tax authorities to ensure that we fully disclose relevant information and pay the correct amount of taxes whilst balancing our obligations towards our shareholders.

Priorities and actions
Aligning strategy with values
Our Tax Strategy is to conduct and manage our tax affairs in accordance with our Tax Principles. These are approved by the Board of Directors annually and are closely aligned with the Group ́s Core Values, Code of Conduct and business strategy.
Acting on our responsibilities
We pay tax where value is created, within the boundaries set by legislation and in accordance with relevant authority guidelines.
We seek to be tax efficient, including to prevent double taxation, interest charges, tax penalties, and we only pay tax which is due.
Increasing transparency
Our 2021 Tax Report publicly disclosed the tax we pay in the largest taxpaying countries per region. We will update this document annually in future.
We also provide full country by country reporting to the Danish tax authorities in accordance with our legal obligations.
- 130 countries where Maersk operates
- US$ 697m corporate income tax paid in 2021
Part of the B-Team
Our Tax Principles and Tax Strategy are also aligned with the responsible tax principles as defined by the B-Team, a global non-profit initiative that advocates for business practices that positively impact climate and society.
As a founding member of the initiative, we endorse the Responsible Tax Principles of the B-Team and aim to offer greater transparency into our approach to tax.

Maersk Sustainability Report 2021
