By CHRISTABEL ADHIAMBO
East African countries are preparing to begin crude oil exports through the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) as construction of the cross-border infrastructure enters its final stages.
The 1,443-kilometre heated pipeline, stretching from Uganda’s oil fields in the Lake Albert basin to the Tanzanian port of Tanga on the Indian Ocean, is expected to be completed by the end of July, with oil exports anticipated to begin in October.
The pipeline will transport crude oil from the Tilenga and Kingfisher oil fields in western Uganda to international markets through Tanzania’s coastline and is set to become the world’s longest electrically heated crude oil pipeline.
Once operational, the project is expected to export more than 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day, marking the first time Uganda exports commercially produced crude oil.
The development positions the East African region among emerging oil-exporting corridors, with both Uganda and Tanzania projecting economic benefits from the investment through infrastructure development, employment and increased trade.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline Company describes the project as a technologically advanced heated pipeline designed to transport Uganda’s waxy crude oil safely over the long distance to the export terminal at Tanga.
According to the company, the pipeline has been pressure-tested, will be monitored along its entire route and incorporates leak detection systems capable of isolating sections of the pipeline in the event of an incident.
The company also says the pipeline has been designed to remain underground along its route, while operations will be managed through multiple control stations.
The project has attracted international attention since construction began, with discussions focusing on energy development, environmental management and community livelihoods.
Environmental organisations have continued to call for careful management of ecosystems along the pipeline route, while also highlighting the importance of safeguarding protected habitats and water resources.
The pipeline passes through parts of Uganda and Tanzania that are home to diverse wildlife and several environmentally significant areas.
Ugandan authorities have consistently maintained that the country’s oil resources are central to its long-term economic development agenda and say petroleum revenues are expected to support broader national growth once production begins.
The project has also drawn significant international investment, with partners including French energy company TotalEnergies and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).
Completion of the export pipeline provides the infrastructure required to commercialise oil reserves discovered in the Lake Albert basin nearly two decades ago.
Construction of EACOP has been ongoing alongside the development of production facilities at the Tilenga and Kingfisher oil fields, both of which are expected to begin supplying crude once the export system becomes operational.
The commissioning of the pipeline will mark a significant milestone for East Africa’s energy sector as Uganda joins the ranks of crude oil-exporting nations through a dedicated international pipeline linking the region to global markets.
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