Its not simply about the rig, but also those aircraft and boats...

Its not simply about the rig, but also those aircraft and boats that service it. As you rightly say, the rig is physically well equipped to ride such a storm, but it may be forced do so without support. That means a decision about how much of the drilling operation can be sustained during such a weather event. With minimal or no support for a 'period' what are the safety and supply factors on the rig etc. Don't be surprised if the operation is suspended for a time (hours/days??) to minimise risk, or even evacuation of the rig over the weekend. Nothing is more frightening to an oil company than drilling into an unknown, potentially live oil reservoir during a wild storm knowing that support is not practicable. Patience, people. I expect Santos will err to the conservative and suspend drilling if the storm track continues as predicted (ie pull back to casing and monitor).

mutineer