First Batch of Pipes for East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline Nearing Delivery in Tanzania

Beijing, China| THE BLACK EXAMINER | Panyu Chu Kong (PCK) Steel Pipe Co., Ltd., the company responsible for supplying line pipes for the East Africa Crude Oil pipeline (EACOP), has announced the completion of the first 100 kilometers of pipes, which are currently being delivered to the port of Tanga in Tanzania.

During a meeting with a delegation from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), led by Mr. Ernest Rubondo, the Executive Director, Mr. Xie Leshan, the President of PCK, emphasized their commitment to ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality pipes for the project.

The EACOP project involves key developers, including CNOOC Uganda Limited, TotalEnergies EP Uganda, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC).

The completion of the initial 100 kilometers of pipes is a significant milestone that reflects the dedication of the Government of Uganda and the involved oil companies to achieve their First Oil goal. This achievement is also attributed to Uganda’s stable macroeconomic environment and its supportive legal and institutional framework, which fosters the growth of the oil industry.

During the visit to China, Mr. Ernest Rubondo and Mr. Liu Yongjie, Chairman of CNOOC International, met to discuss the progress of the Kingfisher project and reaffirm CNOOC’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities on the project. They explored strategies for the commercialization of Uganda’s oil and gas resources, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the in-country value generated by these projects and promoting economic growth and development.

Both parties agreed that timely project delivery and the development of national and community content are essential for a mutually beneficial outcome from the Kingfisher project.

The delegation also visited the Shougang Beijing Group’s Qian’an steel mill, which supplies the steel plates used in manufacturing the pipes. The quality and timely delivery of these steel sheets are crucial for the successful execution of the pipeline project, ensuring the delivery of Kingfisher and Tilenga crude to Tanga for export.

This visit underscores the collaborative efforts between Uganda and China in the oil and gas sector, with a focus on the successful execution of key projects, including Kingfisher, Tilenga, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.

The PAU delegation also engaged with various companies contracted by TotalEnergies and CNOOC Uganda for works and services related to the oil and gas projects in Uganda. These companies play crucial roles in different aspects of the projects, such as engineering, drilling, and pipeline construction.

The EACOP, once completed, will have the capacity to transport up to 230,000 barrels of crude oil daily through a specially designed 1,443-kilometer-long pipeline from western Uganda to the Indian Ocean coastline of Tanzania. The pipeline is equipped with advanced technology, including heat tracing for consistent flow of waxy Ugandan crude and insulation, sensors, and cut-off valves to minimize the risk of leakages, making it a “smart” pipeline.