KAMPALA, UGANDA – Uganda marked a significant milestone in the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project as the first batch of coated line pipes arrived in Kyotera District.
China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd (CPP), the construction contractor, received nine trucks of insulated line pipes from the coating plant in Nzenga, Tabora Region, 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 (PAU). “Government and its partners are committed to ensuring that all developments are completed in the most environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.”
With the arrival of the insulated line pipes, CPP is set to commence pipeline laying in Uganda, racing against time to export the first barrels of crude oil by the end of 2025.
“The project remains on track to meet its construction and operational timelines, with a continued focus on safety, environmental sustainability, and local community engagement,” said a statement from Eacop Ltd.
Civil works have advanced on pumping stations, main camps, pipe yards, and storage facilities along the 1,443-kilometer pipeline, connecting Uganda’s Albertine Basin oil fields to Tanzania’s Tanga port.
To date, 800 kilometers of line pipes have been received, with coating and insulation ongoing at the Nzega Coating Yard.
The $5 billion project, jointly developed by Eacop Company, Uganda, and Tanzania, prioritizes environmental sustainability. The 296-kilometer Ugandan section will be fully carbon neutral, powered by 80MW of solar and hydroelectric energy.
“The project showcases Uganda’s dedication to environmentally responsible and sustainable development,” Ssekatawa emphasized.
Eacop Company’s shareholders include Uganda and Tanzania (15% each), TotalEnergies (62%), and China National Offshore Oil Corporation Uganda Limited (8%).