East African Crude Oil Pipeline Takes Shape as Line Pipes Arrive
The first batch of line pipes for the East African Crude Oil Company (EACOP) has arrived in Uganda, marking the beginning of the construction phase.
Transported on nine trucks and secured with strong blue straps, the pipes crossed the Uganda-Tanzania border at Mutukula on October 1, 2024. After completing border formalities, they were taken to the Main Camp and Pipeyard (MPCY) 4 in Kyotera, Southern Uganda.
This delivery is a significant milestone for the 1,443-kilometer project, facilitating Uganda’s crude oil export to the international market. First oil production is expected in the last quarter of 2025.
According to East African Crude Oil Pipeline Limited, the pipes were received by China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd., the construction contractor.
“These pipes will be welded and buried along the right of way to transport Uganda’s crude oil. Their delivery demonstrates the continued progress of the project,” stated East African Crude Oil Pipeline Company Limited, the project implementer.
“With the arrival of the insulated line pipes in Uganda, the pipelay contractor, CPP, will soon begin laying the EACOP pipeline. The project remains on track to meet its construction and operational timelines, with a strong focus on safety, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.”
Similar line pipes arrived in Tanzania earlier this year.
Beginning in Hoima, Western Uganda, the pipeline traverses 10 districts and extends into Tanzania, ending at Tanga Port. It is the longest heated pipeline in the world and will utilize the latest technology for transporting crude oil. In Uganda, it spans 296 kilometres, with the remaining 1,147 kilometres located in Tanzania.
EACOP is a key component of Uganda’s two-pronged commercialization plan for its oil and gas resources. Drilling is currently underway at the Kingfisher Project in Kikuube and the Tilenga Project in Nwoya and Buliisa in preparation for production.
EACOP shareholders are UNOC (15%), TotalEnergies (62%), CNOOC Uganda Limited (8%), and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15%). END