For the final realization of the MUP, a number of steps (whether or not in sequence) must be taken. These steps are described briefly below.

Step 1. Laying down parties in contract
Research has revealed that there is a market for an MUP in the Canal Zone.
Now it is important that market interest for the MUP is made concrete by setting this down in contracts or declarations of intent per utility.

Step 2. Fixing the route
The pipeline route must be finalised in consultation with both public and private parties and with a view to future developments. In this connection, a start must be made with the route/EIR procedure.

For the route, 5 clusters have been proposed, which are shown in the above illustrations:

A. DOW and the Braakmanhaven
B. Western Kanaaloever
C. Koegorspolder
D. To the north of Sas van Gent
E. To the south of Sas van Gent


Step 3. Drawing up supporting policy
All kinds of laws and regulations will apply to the MUP concept. These include those relating to safety. It can also be expected that Zeeland Seaports, whether or not in conjunction with the municipality of Terneuzen, will have to draw up bye-laws for regulating the pipeline network. The aim of this step is to draft supporting policy to regulate management of the service corridor with respect to both the operator of the pipeline network and the land-owners in the canal zone.

Step 4.Drawing up adequate financing structure
A provisional estimate of the investment costs comes to approximately € 120 million.
This covers construction of the infrastructure, including 5 pipe sleeves but excluding connections and installations. A good business case gives a return for investors and enough safeguards for those providing loan capital. This calls for the design of an adequate financing structure, with the correct allocation of risks.

Step 5. Business plan and investment proposals
On the basis of the business case, an overall business plan can be drawn up to support investment propositions.

At the end of the subsidy procedure, the generic (technical, environmental and commercial) knowledge of the MUP in Zeeland Flanders will be made available to the PATCH partners. These partners can then develop their own similar initiatives on the basis of an exploration of their own need for logistics pipeline networks for (residual) flows.