08-22-2013, 12:21 AM
I think lt nailed it. I heard IOC had received one or more unsolicited approaches before they allowed exclusivity to lapse. In the three LNG deals Dr. Hession had participated in in the 18 months prior to taking over IOC, none were done with exclusivity. They still expect to do the deal with XOM, and things seem to be moving faster now (wonder why?!). At the same time now, however, they can talk with other suitors, whether it be about all of PRL 15, or part of it toward a Gulf LNG, or some other resource, or even as a bigger "strategic partner", as expressed by Dr. Hession as a goal in the conference call. AND, they are now getting back to drilling, as the PNG government wants. I also hear Dr. Hession is working closely with the government, and that is going well, with their interests very much in alignment.