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
28 April 2026
Oil traders warning of $200/bl oil are wrong, and the market should be wary of proclamations that the impact of the oil shortage has only begun to be felt and a that a ‘harsh adjustment’ is coming—even for industrialised nations
28 April 2026
Restoring supply from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Iraq involves complexities far beyond simply adjusting operational controls
28 April 2026
Datacentres will guzzle power at a ferocious rate, but the impact on wider energy markets will be far more complex than previously thought
28 April 2026
The key energy player faces balancing regional routes, political complexities, and creating a clear strategic vision for energy security






