Avarian,"I assume a viable plan has to be submitted to the DOE...

Avarian,

"I assume a viable plan has to be submitted to the DOE to get project approval?"

This is absolutely correct and was done a long time ago, and probably had to be submitted more than once or twice before final approval was forthcoming.

Although I never saw it written anywhere, I think this process was even carried over to an inspection of the FPSO, which could account for some of (as well as fit out) it's lengthy stay in Batangas Bay before sailing to location last May...that was the first lengthy delay.

btw cheeky, first oil was slated for April according to my records.