Wellesley focuses on exploration
The new entrant wants to find new resources in mature areas
Wellesley Petroleum, a Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) independent backed by private equity (PE) firm Blue Water Energy is one of the area's most active current explorers. Its 2018 work plan encompasses nine explorations wells, four of which it will be operator. Chris Elliott, previously deputy exploration director at Revus Energy, which was funded by PE firm 3i, as well as co-founder of Agora Oil and Gas, of which Rothschild investment fund RIT Capital Partners was a backer, is Wellesley's CEO. He recently spoke to Petroleum Economist editor-in-chief Peter Ramsay. Edited highlights follow. PR: Is it fair to say that "PE in the North Sea" is almost a misleading term, given that the differ
Also in this section
24 December 2025
As activity in the US Gulf has stagnated at a lower level, the government is taking steps to encourage fresh exploration and bolster field development work
23 December 2025
The new government has brought stability and security to the country, with the door now open to international investment
23 December 2025
A third wave of LNG supply is coming, and with it a likely oversupply of the fuel by 2028
22 December 2025
Weakening climate resolve in the developed world and rapidly growing demand in developing countries means peak oil is still a long way away






