Chinese firm speaks of technology, skill transfer

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By Liu Pan

China's High-End Oil Equipment “Xuanji” Geological Steering Rotary Guidance Drilling and “Xuanyue” Logging Systems continue to post remarkable milestones to the country’s upstream section of the oil and gas industry.

These advanced systems, developed through years of research and rigorous field testing, stand as a testament to the evolution of China’s energy technology sector.

Since their debut in Uganda, the “Xuanji” and “Xuanyue” systems have successfully completed drilling operations for 15 wells in the Kingfisher, while the “Xuanyue” Logging System operating at Kingfisher and Tilenga oil fields have completed 40 well-logging operations.

This milestone was unveiled on the sidelines of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event attended by top Buliisa district leaders who commended the input of the Chinese not only in oil drilling but also in uplifting the livelihood of the locals.

These achievements represent a large-scale and successful integration of advanced Chinese oilfield technology into the Ugandan context, marking a milestone in Africa’s technological landscape.

This integration has fostered extensive collaboration and knowledge exchange of technical expertise between Chinese and Ugandan engineers, promoting innovation and capacity building. Moreover, it stands as a tangible example of how cross-border collaboration in technology can accelerate industrial development in emerging economies.

According to COSLU General Manager, Xia Yu, this deployment is a crucial step towards advancing the Belt and Road Initiative’s energy cooperation goals and commended the project for strengthening the vision of a shared future between China, Uganda and Africa as a whole.

“China’s deployment of the Xuanji drilling system in Uganda’s Kingfisher field represents a significant leap forward in technological collaboration. Its substantial efficiency gains and data accuracy demonstrate China’s capacities in high-end oilfield equipment,” Yu noted.

More critically, COSLU have committed to training hundreds of Ugandans, transferring technical knowledge, and supporting Uganda’s journey toward First Oil, with at least 800 Ugandans already skilled and able to support Uganda’s nascent oil industry.

Community engagement remains a core principle of COSLU’s operations. Over the years, the company has initiated numerous projects aimed at improving local infrastructure, supporting education, and enhancing public health facilities.

Baligambaki Fred, the district Speaker, noted that the two high end oil equipment have not only unlocked the oil fields but also the potential and health of the locals. He also praised the inclusive approach taken by COSLU, which actively involves local stakeholders in decision-making processes related to community development projects.

In attendance were senior district officials, representatives of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, executives from TotalEnergies, and community elders. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and the wide recognition of the benefits brought by these technological and social contributions.

“Xuanji” Geological Steering Rotary Guidance Drilling System and the ‘Xuanyue’ logging system are not merely machines designed to unlock our underground energy resources; they are instruments of hope and progress. This sentiment reflects a growing belief that technological advancements can be harnessed to deliver tangible socio-economic benefits, such as job creation, education, and healthcare improvements.

Our hope as district leaders is that the locals will continue to flourish here as COSLU strengthens both its technical presence and community empowerment and engagement,” Baligambaki noted.

He added that this intervention is particularly significant in a region where patients often must wait for treatment in harsh outdoor conditions, exposed to intense sunlight and unpredictable weather. By alleviating these conditions, the new facilities are expected to significantly enhance patient comfort and overall healthcare delivery in the district.

The Petroleum Authority of Uganda, represented by Kenneth Babihemaiso, said the authority acknowledges that such projects contribute to enhancing the foundational capacity of the country’s healthcare infrastructure, thus indirectly supporting broader national development goals.

Some of the tools handed over included large outdoor shade canopies, robust and weather-resistant seating facilities, comprehensive sanitation and disinfection supplies to support the Buliisa community. Babihemaiso further added that partnerships like this set a benchmark for how corporate investments can align with national development agendas.

“The operational success of the “Xuanji " and “Xuanyue " systems have highlighted not only China’s technological prowess in high-end oilfield equipment design and deployment but also its willingness to align with Uganda’s vision for sustainable and inclusive growth,” Dai Peng representative of COSL stated.