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
9 January 2026
OPEC+ remains on track as output falls, with only Gabon failing to hit its output targets in December, although Kazakhstan’s compliance was involuntary
9 January 2026
The Latin American producer’s crude prospects rely on a multi-pronged approach where even the relatively easy wins will take considerable time, effort and cost
9 January 2026
While many forecasters are reasserting the importance of oil and gas, petrostates should be under no illusion things are changing, and faster than they might think
8 January 2026
Indonesia and Malaysia are at the dawn of breathtaking digital capabilities. Their energy infrastructure must keep up with their ambitions






