The Tanzanian government has approved the construction of a crude oil pipeline, which will cost $3.5 billion (€3.2 billion). The 1,443 km pipeline will transport crude from vast oilfields being developed in Lake Albert, north-western Uganda, to a Tanzanian port on the Indian Ocean for delivery to international markets.
The underground heated pipeline is due to become the longest of its kind, when completed, which is expected in 2025. This is also when Uganda’s first oil is expected to flow. The pipeline needs approval from both countries before works can begin, and last month Uganda issued a license to the project operator, East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Tanzania’s approval comes amidst ongoing human rights and environmental concerns about the project.
EACOP Tanzania general manager, Wendy Brown, says: ‘This construction approval marks another step forward to EACOP as it allows commencement of the main construction activities in Tanzania, upon completion of the ongoing land access process.’
