Harbour’s Judy platform
Harbour bullish on UKCS drilling
The firm will add a fifth rig as it seeks to extend reserve life in the basin
It is perhaps an indictment of the level of debate on the role of oil and gas on the journey to net zero that it has taken the tragic events in Ukraine to stimulate greater political and public interest in the relatively low-carbon barrels and molecules available to the UK from the North Sea. But a change in sentiment is noticeable and reinforced by increased enthusiasm for drilling by London-listed Harbour Energy, the largest independent producer on the UK continental shelf (UKCS). The firm has four rigs active in the basin and will add a fifth to drill in the Beryl area in the Northern North Sea by mid-year. One of the four recently arrived at Catcher in the Central North Sea (CNS), where
Also in this section
20 January 2026
The ripple effects of US refiners switching to Venezuela grades will be felt from Canada to China and everywhere in between
20 January 2026
As the global energy system undergoes its most profound transformation in a century, the need for credible leadership, practical solutions and inclusive dialogue has never been greater. In 2026, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will stand at the centre of this conversation as host of the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh.
20 January 2026
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the host of the 25th WPC Energy Congress on 26-30 April 2026. The Ministry of Energy spoke with Petroleum Economist about the key messages and opportunities for the global energy community.
19 January 2026
Newfound optimism is emerging that a dormant exploration frontier could become a strategic energy play and—whisper it quietly—Europe’s next offshore opportunity
