Generally shuttling oil is not such an unusual way of exporting outside the GOM. Its used extensively in the Norht Sea in both UK and Norway. It does require a different approach to plaform design - FPSO's (ships hulls with storage and processing on board). These haven't been used in the GOM before to my knowledge (not approved?). In anycase, they are pretty much standard technology and certainly capable for this deepwater environment.

Gas production - well if its a small amount you can reinject to dispose, or agregate together with other fields to export. The Walker ridge is remote, but its the next frontier area and if a number of discoveries get off the ground at once new shared gas export infrastructure will probably be worthwhile.

One thing to note is that wells in this environment cost upwards of $100mill each - this will make developments v. expensive and therefore risky to get going.....we could see quite a few delays out there before anything happens.