EACOP launches Thermal Insulation Plant in Tabora, Tanzania

East African crude oil pipeline celebrates a milestone: inauguration of thermal insulation plant, signing of corridor lease agreement and project land handover at Sojo village, Nzega district, Tabora region

Tabora, Tanzania | THE INDEPENDENT | The East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project (EACOP) took a giant step forward today with the inauguration of a Thermal Insulation Plant (TIS Plant) in Nzega District in Tanzania. The TIS Plant receives all line pipes to be used in Tanzania and Uganda.

The TIS Plant will apply thermal insulation to all 86,000-line pipe joints prior to their dispatch and installation along the route from Uganda to Tanzania.  The purpose of the insulation is similar to a thermos flask – it retains the warmth of the fluid inside the pipe whilst simultaneously keeping the external environment cool.

The inauguration was graced by Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy of Tanzania together with Ruth Nankwabira, Minister of Energy & Mineral Development of Uganda, EACOP Management, contractors alongside other distinguished guests such as Ministers, Members of Parliament, High Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, and other government officials from Uganda and Tanzania.

Concurrent with the inauguration event was the official signing of land lease agreements between the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).

This follows the completion of the land acquisition and compensation process.  The land leases and the production of thermally insulated pipe are two key precursors for construction activities starting along the right of way.

Following a ramp-up period, the TIS Plant workshop will boast an impressive production capacity of 110117 kilometers of insulated line pipe per month. Production is slated to commence immediately and continue into 2025.

The establishment of this Plant not only signifies technological advancement but also creates numerous employment opportunities within the region. During the construction phase, a total of 500 personnel on site were employed.

During the production phase, 270 workers will be involved in front line site activities, including running the thermal insulation production lines, pipe handling, logistics, maintenance and inspection.  The remaining personnel are involved in supporting activities spanning various fields such as catering, camp operation, security and administration.

Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko (MP), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy of Tanzania said: “We are proud to inaugurate the Thermal Insulation Workshop, a testament to our dedication to advancing infrastructure capabilities. This workshop will not only facilitate efficient crude oil transportation but also foster economic growth and development within the region.”

Ruth Nankwabira, Minister of Energy & Mineral Development, Uganda commended that “the inauguration of the Thermal Insulation Workshop signifies a significant milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen energy infrastructure. This initiative underscores our commitment to enhancing energy security and promoting regional cooperation.”

Martin Tiffen, EACOP Managing Director, “We are pleased to mark the commissioning of the Thermal Insulation Workshop, which is a key milestone on our journey to construct the infrastructure that will safely transport the oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert region to international markets. The TIS plant embodies our commitment to safety, operational excellence and sustainability, combining talents from Tanzania and internationally, and creating employment and up-skilling opportunities both nationally and for communities in the vicinity.”

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is a 1,443km crude oil export infrastructure that will transport Uganda’s crude oil from Kabaale – Hoima in Uganda to the Chongoleani peninsula near Tanga in Tanzania for export to the international market. This major export system includes 1,443 km (296 km in Uganda and 1147km in Tanzania) of insulated and buried 24” inch pipeline, 6 pumping stations, two pressure reduction stations and a marine export terminal in Tanzania.