There are online trackers that show vessel movements and at least a couple posters here have posted updates on movements
As far as the first indicator, that will likely be when a contract is signed, either for financing, partnership, acquisition/merger, stock issuance for funding, or a contract for a drilling rig
GSPE may announce something material earlier than any of those, but they must announce a definitive agreement (contract) with at least an 8-K, optionally a press release with the 8-K
After that, vessel movements can give additional info along the way
I was one of the posters posting vessel movements and I also noted that, in nearly all cases, it didn't really provide anything useful, unfortunately
welcome to the board
The oil&gas market is favorable and the clock is ticking, I really don't think there's any doubt that GSPE intends to drill Tau very soon
The big questions are what it will cost in terms of the deal they cut with a partner, shares issued, and a possible R/S
spec