Speaking at a first-quarter earnings conference call last night, president worldwide exploration and production Gregory Hill said no decision had been made on where the gas from the Carnarvon block would go because the company was still in the midst of commercial discussions with several potential liquefaction partners.

"We've completed and praised the work on three wells now and we're drilling a fourth appraisal well. We've had good results of the appraisal program so far," he said.

"Once we complete the appraisal drilling and finalise the liquefaction route, then we'll announce further details."

Hill said it was too early to say when the details would be announced, adding the appraisal work would take the rest of the year due to adverse weather.

Last October Hess all but ruled out developing its own liquefied natural gas project in Australia, saying it would likely take a partner on its 100% stake.

WA-390-P is next to the giant Jansz-Io discovery, the main field supplying the Gorgon LNG project. The permit is also near WA-404-P in which Woodside Petroleum recently acquired full control with the purchase of Hess' 50% stake.

Woodside is keen to secure gas for further trains at its Pluto LNG project and has been in negotiations with its neighbours to secure third-party supplies.

Meanwhile, on the appraisal program, Hess is currently drilling the fourth appraisal well, Bravo-2, after completing the Mentorc-2 appraisal well.

Bravo-2 lies in water depth of 1088 metres and is being drilled by the Jack Bates semi-submersible rig.