Norsk Agip, ExxonMobil, Fortum, Norske Shell, Norsk Hydro, Statoil, TotalFinaElf, ConocoPhillips and Petoro were set to sign the deal at a ceremony today staged by the Ministry for Petroleum and Energy in Oslo.

The main owner in the system will be Petoro, overseer of the state's direct financial interest (SDFI), while state-owned pipeline operator Gassco will run the infrastructure. The new bylaws for access and pricing of gas transport capacity are also due to be presented today.

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