Chevron and partner Devon see the finds as prime candidates for co-development given their proximity and reservoir make-up.

George Kirkland, Chevron's executive vice president for upstream and global gas, said there were still appraisal wells to complete on Jack and St Malo.

"Until we get those drilled and evaluated, we really can't comment further on timing. I would anticipate that we would be able to make strong views on timing for Jack and St Malo between the analyst call in late January to the time we get together in March.