Following the EU Commission's approval of EUR 45m in state subsidies, all signs are "go" for the new EUR 200m, 400 km segment of a three-country polymer grade propylene pipeline planned by major European petrochemical groups. On the drawing boards since 1998, the pipeline will connect the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp with Germany's Ruhr area. Construction is set to begin in Q3 2005, with start-up in Q2 2007. From Antwerp, where it will connect with an existing Shell pipeline from Rotterdam, the route will run from Tessenderlo via Geleen, Cologne, Moers and Oberhausen to Marl. Partners in the EPDC operating company are BASF, BP, Celanese. DSM, Sabic Sasol, Shell and Westgas (a Degussa subsidiary).