siriusco,
I agree things are a little confusing. To my knowledge Woodside have said nothing about why the northern wells are not performing. The only thing we have heard is the solution is to drill 2 or 3 more wells in the southern sector. This is despite not having the completion equipment to do this for several months.
I am sure woodside have done a detailed analysis of the northern sector and know by now where the problem lies. So if the Northern sector is not being written off then surely the most prudent course of action (for HDR anyway) is to fix it ASAP. They have the rig on site for just such an occurance so why don't they drill a side track as you suggested. I guess the main consideration is the cost versus the probability of success versus the alternative proposal of drilling cleanskins in the southern sector.
HDR
hardman resources limited
