The companies' plans to expand to the US Gulf Coast follow successful negotiations with several prospective shippers who have agreed, subject to regulatory approvals, to make shipping commitments of approximately 300,000brl/d for an average term of 18 years during a binding open season which began on 16 July. In addition, prospective shippers have also agreed to commit another 35,000brl/d to Wood River and Patoka, Illinois during a future open season expected in the third or fourth quarter of 2008. With these commitments Keystone has now secured long-term commitments for approximately 830,000brl/d for an average term of 18 years; these commitments represent approximately 75% of the commercial design of the system. "The Keystone expansion will be the first direct pipeline to connect a growing and reliable supply of Canadian crude oil with the largest refining market in North America," Hal Kvisle, TransCanada president and chief executive officer, said. "The Keystone Pipeline will be constructed and operated as an integrated system with delivery points in the US Midwest and US Gulf Coast." The expansion will include an approximate 3,200-km long, 36-in diameter, crude oil pipeline starting at Hardisty, Alberta, and extending south to a delivery point near existing terminals in Port Arthur, Texas and, subject to shipper support, will include an additional approximate 80-km lateral to the Houston area. With the addition of incremental pumping facilities, the pipeline system could be further expanded to 1.5m brl/d.