Interested parties are invited to provide to the company written non-binding expressions of interest in using this extra capacity by 1 July, 2006. This 'open-season' will be followed by an approximately six-week period during which the formal commitment process will be completed. This proposed enhancement (phase 3) is in addition to the already-completed phase 1, and the ongoing phase 2, reverse-flow capacity enhancement. After completion of phase 3, the total UK import capacity of the Interconnector will be 25.5bn cum/yr. IUK operates a subsea pipeline and terminal facilities connecting the UK and continental Europe. The company's 40-in diameter carbon steel pipeline stretches 230km between Bacton in Norfolk and Zeebrugge in Belgium. It is presently capable of transporting 20bn cum/yr from Bacton to Zeebrugge, and 16.5bn cum/yr in the opposite direction, which will be increased to 23.5bn cum/yr by 1 December, 2006.