East African Crude Oil Pipeline Construction Gains Momentum with Line Pipe Delivery

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project has achieved a milestone with the first delivery of coated line pipes to Main Camp and Pipe Yard (MCPY) 4 in Kyotera District, Uganda. The nine trucks carrying the coated line pipes will be transported to designated storage sites along the 1,443-kilometer pipeline route, marking a crucial step in the project's development. 

The EACOP will transport Uganda's crude oil from the Hoima Terminal to Tanga Port in Tanzania for export to international markets. So far, 800 kilometers of pipeline have been received, with the pipes undergoing further coating and insulation at a facility in Nzega, Tanzania.

"This is a major landmark in the construction of the EACOP and a clear sign of the progress of the project," said Ali Ssekatawa, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda. He emphasized that the Ugandan government and its partners are committed to completing the project responsibly, prioritizing environmental sustainability. "Civil works have already advanced on the pumping stations, main camps, pipe yards, and storage facilities along the EACOP route," Ssekatawa added.

Ssekatawa also highlighted the project’s commitment to addressing climate change concerns. "The Ugandan section will be fully carbon neutral, powered entirely by 80MW of solar and hydro energy," he stated, noting that renewable energy will be prioritized for all pumping, heating, and monitoring operations. Similar renewable energy developments are planned for the Tanzanian side of the pipeline.

The EACOP, a 24-inch thermally insulated pipeline, will be supported by six pumping stations—two in Uganda and four in Tanzania. The project, with a total estimated cost of $5 billion, is being developed by the EACOP Company. The Ugandan and Tanzanian governments each hold a 15% stake in the project, while TotalEnergies owns a majority share of 62%, and CNOOC Uganda Limited holds 8%.

As the construction advances, the EACOP is poised to play a critical role in transporting Uganda’s crude oil to global markets, with plans to mitigate environmental impacts through the use of renewable energy sources.