The commencement of the main construction phase for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) reached a significant milestone as the first consignment of 100 kilometers of pipes arrived at the Dar es Salaam Port. This marks the initiation of a major cross-border pipeline project that will transport crude oil from the Lake Albert region of Uganda to the Chongoleani peninsula near Tanga in Tanzania, providing access to global markets.
The event, commemorating this momentous occasion, took place yesterday at the storage yard operated by SuperDoll, EACOP's logistics partner in Tanzania. The gathering included shareholders of EACOP and paved the way for the transportation of the pipes to Nzega in the Tabora Region.
Safiel Msovu, the project coordinator from the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), highlighted that the pipes' arrival in Dar es Salaam signals the commencement of the initial 100-kilometer construction phase. Msovu stated that the pipe burial process is scheduled to begin in April 2024, with the overall project anticipated to be completed by December 2025. The flow of crude oil from Uganda to the Indian Ocean is expected to commence in 2026.
During the event, Msovu emphasized the Tanzanian government's active role in coordinating and supervising the project. Over 500 billion shillings have been allocated, including funds for compensating individuals affected by the project.
EACOP Managing Director, Martin Tiffen, expressed the company's commitment to ensuring the highest standards of environmental protection and safety throughout its operations. He outlined the utilization of new trucks with high-quality standards for transporting pipes and highlighted comprehensive driver training, focusing on road safety exercises and compliance with traffic regulations.
Tiffen underscored the incorporation of state-of-the-art technology for pipe lifting activities, employing methods such as vacuum lifting and 'rob rigging' to enhance safety during lifting operations.
"As the on-the-ground construction of this 1,443-kilometer pipeline progresses, EACOP remains committed to delivering this project with the utmost responsibility, contributing to the sustainable growth and prosperity of East Africa," Tiffen emphasized.
Retired Colonel Fred Mwesigye, the Ugandan Ambassador to Tanzania, expressed gratitude, stating that Uganda is returning the favor to Tanzanians who fought and shed blood for them. He thanked the Presidents of Tanzania and Uganda for their agreement to pass the pipeline through Tanzania.
EACOP is set to become the longest heated pipeline globally upon completion, spanning 1,443 kilometers (896 miles) and involving 296 kilometers in Uganda and 1,147 kilometers in Tanzania. The project includes 24-inch buried pipeline segments, six oil pumping stations, two pressure reduction stations, and a marine oil export terminal in Tanzania.