Trucks for oil pipeline development take off

By Petra Amito

NAMAVE – The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd in partnership with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and DDG Logistics has officially flagged off 10 additional trucks to support the transportation of pipeline materials. This brings the total number of trucks dedicated to EACOP’s logistics operations to 40, further enhancing the efficiency and pace of pipeline construction.

AGL, a Ugandan company mandated to sub-contract local enterprises, has played a pivotal role in ensuring the involvement of Ugandan firms in the project. Together with their main joint venture partner, DDG Logistics, they have successfully transported 2,000 pipes using the initial 30 trucks. With this addition, the logistics partners are well-positioned to accelerate delivery, having already transported 12% of all EACOP pipes. The expanded fleet will further enhance their ability to meet project timelines and ensure the successful delivery of the first oil as scheduled.

Winnie Anyango Lokech, Contract Manager, Africa Global Logistics highlighted the impact that the new fleet will have on the project. She said, “We are here to add an additional 10 trucks to the fleet so as to increase our delivery. We have so far been able to deliver 12% of all of the EACOP pipes and therefore know that with this addition to the fleet, we shall be able to deliver the first oil as required.”

The addition of these trucks will offer reinforcement to the ongoing development of the EACOP project, solidifying their commitment to efficiency, safety, and timely execution. The newly commissioned fleet will play a crucial role in the transportation, ensuring the smooth progress of the pipeline’s construction.

EACOP remains committed to fostering local participation, enhancing efficiency, and upholding international safety and environmental standards in all its operations. The commissioning of these new trucks underscores the project’s dedication to timely execution and regional economic development.

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 pipelines, 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.

EACOP Ltd. is a special purpose company, governed by its Shareholders Agreement in which TotalEnergies (62%), Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC – 15%), Tanzania Petroleum   Development Corporation (TPDC – 15%) and CNOOC (8%) are shareholders.