The UK's Mott MacDonaldhas completed the initial conceptual studies for the project. Its report covers six separate proposals incorporating a number of route variations, pump station options, optimal pipeline diameters and operation and investment costs. The pipeline will transport a mixture of crude oil for refining and long residues for cracking into ethylene (see Petrochemicals).

The next stage in the project will be the appointment of a consultant to draw up front-end engineering and design (FEED) studies. This will be followed by a tender for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) package. Total project costs are estimated at $200 million.