Brussels, 17/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - Yesterday the European Commission approved and international project and aid for the construction of a propylene pipeline. The beneficiary is the European Pipeline Company (EPC”), a consortium of companies active in the chemical industry and whose pipeline from Rotterdam, via Antwerp to Cologne and the German Ruhr Area will costs around € 200. Germany (Nordrhein Westfalen), the Netherlands and Belgium notified aid of € 18.7 million, € 4 million and € 3.7 million respectively.
The Commission considers that the pipeline is strategically important for the continued viability and competitiveness of the propylene producing and processing industry in the areas concerned. Pipeline transport produces less pollution, is safer than other modes of transport and adds to resolving traffic congestion on European highways. Transport by pipeline increases flexibility of supply, much needed by the industry's main stakeholders. The EPC pipeline will operate on an “open access” basis and will ensure that there is no negative impact on competitive conditions. The "open access/common carrier" means that access to the pipeline and conditions for connection will be open to all producers of propylene and will be established at the level of competing transport modes.