Jimmy,

I had interpreted the August 14th date as the date for spudding on Garden Hill. I think you are right - I think the well might even have to be in production. The date might be a condition of the lease rather than the farm in agreement. If this is the case, it's clear no-one can afford to drag their heels at Shoal Point, because if PDI don't meet their obligations on Garden Hill, I think the licence will revert to the crown and that won't do anyone much good. If PDI are involved with the drilling, then they will be pushing on with it as fast as they can, without jeopardising the project, because they will be anxious to get the rig loaded and en route for Garden Hill. However, I'm pretty sure they were named as operators in an old agreement that has since been superceded, but maybe you have heard something from other sources.

I don't know about Dragon Lance - the complexity of oil projects is a little beyond me. Are they a separate contractor brought in to design the programme, much as an architect designs a house before the builders get on with the practical bit?

Regards

Dunnock