EACOP project progresses with over 1,000km of pipeline welded

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Over 1,000 kilometres of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) welding have been completed since the project started, New Vision Online has learnt.

The development means that the project advances into EACOP's critical implementation phase. The construction of the EACOP in combination with the Tilenga and Kingfisher projects will benefit the economies of Uganda and Tanzania, including tax revenues for the two Host Governments, job creation, national content, new infrastructure, logistics, skills and technology transfer and enhancement of the trade corridor between Uganda and Tanzania.

EACOP project main contractor, China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd. (CPP), welded 200.36km in September 2025, the highest monthly progress since the project began, bringing the total length of pipes welded to 1,033.52km.

"The record-breaking progress was made possible through the deployment of CPP’s self-developed “CPP900” automatic welding system, a state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance welding efficiency, consistency, and safety. Sixteen CPP900 units are currently operational along the pipeline, delivering an exceptional 98.89% first-pass success rate, underscoring CPP’s world-class engineering and quality assurance standards," a statement issued on October 5, 2025, by CCP reads.

Pipeline. (Courtesy)

The complete, in-progress, quality, and safety campaign, which encourages teams to continuously improve performance, optimise resources, and maintain seamless co-ordination across all worksites, according to CCP, is responsible for this milestone.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline Company (EACOP) Ltd, on January 24, 2023, received a licence for the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. The construction licence has enabled the development of a 1,443km, 24-inch diameter thermal-insulated and buried crude oil pipeline

The License was granted by the energy ministry, following the satisfactory application submitted in compliance and accordance with Section 10 of the Petroleum (Refining, Conversion, Transmission, and Midstream Storage) Act 2013, Regulation 59 of the Petroleum (Refining, Conversion, Transmission, and Midstream Storage) Act 2016, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Special Provisions Act 2021.

Jobs and skills for the locals

The statement says CPP has also undertaken local capacity building through the provision of skill training and employment opportunities to local communities along the pipeline route, ensuring that the benefits of the project extend beyond construction.

China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co., Ltd. (CPP) is an engineering and construction company specialising in pipeline, oil, gas, and energy infrastructure development.