A final investment decision (FID) for the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is expected this month (December) followed by the start of construction shortly thereafter.This 1443-km crude oil export pipeline will be the longest of its kind in the world and will transport Uganda’s crude oil from Kabaale – Hoima in Uganda to the Chongoleani peninsula near Tanga port in Tanzania. The pipeline will run for 296 km in Uganda and 1 147 km in Tanzania.Designed for a 25-year lifetime, the 24-inch, buried pipeline will have four pump stations along the way and two pressure reduction stations before reaching Tanga where the marine export terminal will be situated. Once the FID is undertaken, the pipeline detail design, procurement and construction will start and last for about 36 months. Construction has tentatively been estimated to start nex t Febr ua r y.Total has demonstrated its commitment to the project, having already committed 10% of the value of the project upfront. In October Total signed a host government agreement with Tanzania after having signed a similar document with Uganda in September this year.Experts have warned that logistics for the project will not be easy as the pipeline goes through many off-road areas. Several temporary roads are expected to be constructed to reach the pipeline – the route having been chosen to cause the least disruption to people living in Uganda and Tanzania.Ongoing investment in infrastructure can be expected in Africa. Photo: Illustration onlyTogether with our strategic partners we have grown our oil and gas as well as project focus significantly over the past couple of years. – Andreas Kusza“There are high hopes for the new East Africa crude oil pipeline that will be constructed next year.
