NORTH-EAST oil and gas organisation NOF Energy has strengthened its links with energy markets around the world by forming three global partnerships.

The organisation has signed deals with the US State of Louisiana, Offshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia and the British Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce, following contacts made at the Offshore Technology Conference, in Houston, in May. The deals take NOF's total of global partners to four, after the Wearside company, signed a deal with the Malaysian Oil and Gas Services Council in April.

George Rafferty, chief executive of NOF, said: "By establishing a network of key contacts in oil and gas markets around the world, NOF Energy aims to maximise the business development opportunities for member companies. Each new global partner adds a vital extra dimension. With a vibrant global energy market, there is ongoing export potential for UK companies."