– I am very pleased that owners of the Norwegian gas transportation system today sign an agreement concerning the establishment of a uniform ownership structure, Gassled. This is in line with a request from the Parliament and gives a basis for a more efficient management of Norwegian gas resources. We have now established an efficient transportation machine that gives sellers of Norwegian gas a better opportunity to meet the challenges of the liberalization of the European gas market. The establishment of Gassled will contribute to the realization of the Government's long-term scenario for value-creation from the Norwegian petroleum sector, the Minister of Petroleum and Energy Einar Steensnæs said at a press conference in Oslo at 2:00 p.m. today.

The Norwegian gas transportation system is the world's largest offshore gas transportation system, comprises more than 6000 km of pipelines from the Norwegian shelf to Norwegian shore, the United Kingdom and the Continent, and transports 12 % of the European consumption of gas. The greater part of this system is included in Gassled.

In addition, by Royal Decree, new provisions for use of gas pipelines and related installations on and from the Norwegian shelf were laid down today. The new provisions and the establishment of Gassled complete the comprehensive gas management system.

I am impressed by and proud of the considerable efforts that have been made by the involved companies and authorities in order to establish the new gas transportation regime, says the Minister of Petroleum and Energy.

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