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
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal






