EACOP: Pipes to move crude oil from Hoima to Tanga arrive

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | THE INDEPENDENT |  Pipelines to cover the first 100km of the  East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) from Hoima to Tanga port in Tanzania, are ready for work to start.

An event to mark the arrival of the pipelines from China, was held Tuesday by EACOP’s Shareholders, at the storage yard operated by EACOP’s Tanzanian Logistics partner, SuperDoll.

A statement issued for the Tanzanian office of EACOP said the arrival at the port of Dar es Salaam signals the initiation of the main construction phase for this cross-border pipeline project.

EACOP will transport crude oil from the Lake Albert region of Uganda to the Chongoleani peninsula near Tanga in Tanzania, where it can access world markets.

The project represents a major inward investment in Uganda and Tanzania. China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Company Ltd (CPP), was contracted to construct the Pipeline and Above the Ground Installations (AGI) in Uganda and Tanzania.

Olivier Foulonnneau, Project Control Manager EACOP last week told the 4th National Content Conference in Kampala that they had some issues to resolve with the management at the port of Dar es Salaam but it appears that they have resolved them.

With the arrival of the pipes, EACOP will embark on painting them before being transported by trucks. The pipes are being produced in China.

“EACOP is focused on ensuring that its activities adhere to the most stringent social, environmental and safety standards. The onward transportation of pipes to their point of use will be conducted using new, high specification, trucks and trailers. The project has also invested in extensive driver training, focusing on defensive driving practices, route planning, and compliance with road regulations” reads the statement.

The EACOP company said the  available technology has been incorporated for line pipe lifting operations. “Vacuum lifting and ‘roborigging’ are employed to ensure that personnel are kept out of the ‘line of fire’ during lifting operations”

As the on the ground construction of this 1443km pipeline progresses, EACOP said is remains committed to delivering this project with the utmost responsibility, contributing to the sustainable growth and prosperity of East Africa.

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.   Following the Final Investment Decision (FID) that was taken on the 1st of February 2022, East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd. on 15th February concluded the formation of the company that will construct and operate the pipeline.

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