A Delegation from Uganda High Commission in the country has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, particularly in Tanga region.

During their visit  led by Uganda High Commissioner to Tanzania  (rtd.) Colonel Fred Mwesigye praised the major progress in the construction of an offshore oil export terminal in the Indian Ocean, which stretches over two kilometres and is crucial for loading crude oil onto ships for international markets.

Kurt Holtzkausen, construction manager reported that the terminal’s construction is 60 per cent complete, with work continuing to ensure timely delivery.

The delegation also visited the Chongoleani area and the Marine and Storage Terminal (MST), where the High Commissioner Mwesigye and his team were impressed by the progress made so far , including the construction of four large tanks designed to store up to two million barrels of crude oil, which will be transported from Hoima, Uganda.

“As part of my duty is to oversee and report on this project, which is collaboration between the Tanzanian and Ugandan governments,” said Mwesigye. “When I arrived in 2022, work had just started, with land clearing underway. Today, I am amazed by the progress made.”

He expressed optimism that the project will successfully conclude, benefiting both countries and the broader East African region economically. 

“It is a joy to see Uganda’s crude oil being shipped from the shores of Chongoleani to international markets,” he said.

The ongoing project has already created significant opportunities for local citizens, providing employment and allowing Tanzanian and Ugandan professionals to gain valuable experience working alongside international experts.

Eng. Musa Msafiri   reported that the storage tanks have reached 69.8 per cent completion, and overall, construction is progressing smoothly. 

“We expect to complete the project as planned, with some areas already at advanced stages,” he said.

Deputy High Commissioner Elizabeth Allimadi and senior engineer Deo Bukenya from Uganda’s Petroleum Authority (PAU) also expressed pride in the project's progress. 

“The collaboration between foreign and local workers has been key to the success so far,” Bukenya said, noting that similar progress is being made on Uganda’s side, including significant infrastructure development.

In addition to the pipeline, the project includes a coating plant in Sojo, Nzega dstrict, Tabora region. The project is also focused on environmental conservation, community collaboration, and workers’ safety.

The delegation also visited the Sigi River area, where the pipeline will pass under the river. project manager Sinan Elaslan explained that the pipeline will be installed at a significant depth to protect the river’s ecosystem, including its aquatic life.

Spanning eight regions in Tanzania and Uganda, the 1,443-kilometer pipeline runs from Hoima in Uganda to the Chongoleani peninsula in Tanga. Of the total length, 1,147 kilometers are in Tanzania.

The project is a joint venture, with TotalEnergies holding a 62 per cent stake, while Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and Uganda Petroleum Development Corporation (UPDC) each own 15 per cent, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) holds 8 per cent.