Deltic retains exploration enthusiasm
The UK independent has successfully brought in partners and is gearing up to drill
Exploration has been something of a dirty word on the UK continental shelf (UKCS) in recent years. But AIM-listed explorer Deltic Energy is confident there is still economic oil and gas to find in the basin. And it can point to the persuasive power of its argument, having successfully completed farm-out deals with Shell in 2019 and with UK independent Capricorn Energy—then called Cairn—last year. Petroleum Economist spoke to Deltic CEO Graham Swindells to find out more about the attractions and challenges of growth via the drill bit. What drove the success of the Capricorn farmout? Swindells: What we have is a group of five contiguous licences stretching over the best part of 3,000km² of th
Also in this section
27 February 2026
LNG would serve as a backup supply source as domestic gas declines and the country’s energy system comes under stress during periods of low hydropower output and high energy demand
27 February 2026
The assumption that oil markets will re-route and work around sanctions is being tested, and it is the physical infrastructure that is acting as the constraint
27 February 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress to take place in tandem as part of a coordinated week of high-level ministerial, institutional and industry engagements
27 February 2026
The deepwater sector must be brave by fast-tracking projects and making progress to seize huge offshore opportunities and not become bogged down by capacity constraints and consolidation






