Novus Petroleum Ltd. (Australia) signed an exploration and production agreement with the Omani government for Blocks 15 and 47 in northern Oman in May 2001. The deal committed Novus to a three-year exploration period, which could be extended depending on the results of the exploration. The blocks form part of the same geological structure as Novus offshore gas producing field in Block 8, in the Straits of Hormuz. In April 2002, Novus signed another agreement for Block 31. The company also plans to drill the first Well in the Iranian-Omani jointly held West Bukha/Hengam gas field in 2006. The field holds an estimated 3 Tcf of gas. Omans gas network has been placed under the authority of Oman Gas Company (OGC), set up by the government to oversee the sultanates gas development program. In April 2001, Oman awarded a contract to operate the countrys Natural Gas transportation and distribution infrastructure for the next five years to Canadas Enbridge and Terasen. The contract includes a provision for technology transfer and training, so operation can be shifted to Omani staff after five years.