In addition, part of the top-level ONS conference programme will be devoted to the growing significance of this sector in Norway and internationally.

This reflects an on-going commitment by ONS to reflecting the latest developments in the oil and gas industry, says Kjell Ursin-Smith, managing director of the ONS Foundation.

"We’ve accordingly wanted to focus attention on LNG as a sector of our industry which is big internationally but not so well known in Norway."

ONS constantly seeks to develop its overall concept and the programme for each event in ways which highlight thinking among companies and governments, both today and for the future, he adds.

Global demand for natural gas is rising sharply, but many of the large gas discoveries are so remote from markets that pipeline transport is technically and economically unfeasible.

That makes shipment by sea in the form of LNG the only realistic option for bringing these resources to consumers, and such consignments are expanding worldwide.

"We want to present the LNG sector in a global, regional and local perspective, and illuminate its place in the total energy chain," says Mr Ursin-Smith.

"Our LNG Park is also intended to increase general awareness of the business, and thereby serve as a way of ‘educating the public’.

"This commitment wouldn’t have been possible without the backing of two major companies involved in the LNG sector – namely Statoil and the Vancouver-based Teekay shipping group.

"They’re both supporting the Park financially, while applying their extensive knowledge and broad expertise to assure the quality of the whole event."

Invitations to participate in the LNG Park at ONS 2006 are currently being sent to a number of companies involved in this business.

"We believe that raising the LNG sector up the energy policy agenda is important, particularly in view of developments in the far north of Norway and Russia," says Mr Ursin-Smith.