re: For the technical folks..

ultimately, the q4000 will be removed from the field. the final configuration would involve the drillships discoverer enterprise and discoverer clear leader, the helix producer fpso, and the toisa pisces well test vessel would all ultimately be connected to the well. the q4000 is being removed from the mix since it's the smallest of these vessels and does not have oil storage capability -- i.e. everything it is producing has to be burned in the flare.

the drillships would be connected via the capping stack, while the producer and pisces would be connected via the manifold on the seafloor.

i think they're proceeding w/ the integrity test slowly and cautiously because if it's successful, you can have the well shut in rather than trying to contain tens of thouands of barrels of oil.