Waiting for OSH Appraisal

[davidhmtk]

Not said, but implicit in today's conference call, was that the JV decision on A7 ( which has to be unanimous ) is waiting on the OSH appraisal #s.  The JV has been considering A7 for over a year and just held a multi-day meeting concerning it.  No decision has been made, yet Dr. Hession is absolutely certain the appraisal program will be completed by year end, and thus that the decision to drill or not will definately be made in the next couple of months.  My guess is that if the appraisal #s are high enough to support a 2 train development, Total & IOC agree that number.  If under 2 trains ( 8tcf), they drill A7 and go through with the certification.

[Putncalls]

Why can't they just say that?

[jft310]

Hession also said a reason for 7 the plant model may need to be increased . Looking at all possibilities for cooperation with PNGLNG . Time line could be moved up with cooperation ..

[davidhmtk]

Why can't they just say that?

I believe that Total doesn't want the appearance of cherry picking the appraisal that they will be taking to a syndicate of banks to borrow $10billion in a tight market for oil/gas project finance.

[jft310]

If the $10 Billion is correct , hope so , then all 4 project partners would borrow $10 Billion in total Each to borrow it's prorata share . The fourth partner is the government who most likeky will opt in.