The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Limited has taken a significant step towards building local expertise in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
In collaboration with Chu Kong Petroleum and Natural Gas Steel Pipe Holdings Limited (PCK) and Avanti Energy Services Limited (Avanti ESL), EACOP conducted a specialized training session for Ugandan engineers, focusing on orbital welding techniques for pipeline construction.
The objective of this specialized automated welding technique, which was conducted at the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), is building local capacity, which is critical for pipeline construction, yet Uganda previously lacked the necessary training equipment, which made it difficult for local engineers to operate efficiently.
Bridging the Skills Gap
Prior to this initiative, Ugandan engineers faced challenges in acquiring the necessary skills and equipment for pipeline construction. The introduction of the Pipeline All-Position Automatic Welding Machine (Model BH-PAW-150) and the engagement of a Canadian expert to lead the training program have bridged this gap.
Key Highlights from the Training Session
The training session, held at the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), achieved several key objectives:
Capacity Building
The initiative saw 20 Ugandan technicians and trainers receive hands-on training, enabling them to transfer their expertise locally.
Cutting-Edge Equipment
Participants gained experience with state-of-the-art orbital welding equipment, enhancing their skills and knowledge.
Sustainable Expertise
This initiative ensures that Ugandan professionals possess world-class welding skills, supporting the sustainable growth of the country’s oil and gas sector.
Boosting the Oil and Gas Sector
The EACOP’s training initiative is a significant investment in Uganda’s oil and gas sector. By empowering local engineers with specialized skills, EACOP is:
Enhancing Local Content
Increasing the participation of Ugandan professionals in the oil and gas sector, aligning with the country’s local content policies.
Improving Efficiency
Equipping local engineers with cutting-edge skills and knowledge, reducing reliance on foreign expertise and enhancing project efficiency.
Supporting Economic Growth
Contributing to the growth and development of Uganda’s oil and gas sector, which is expected to play a significant role in the country’s economic development.
The EACOP’s training initiative is a vital step towards building local expertise in Uganda’s oil and gas sector. By empowering Ugandan engineers with specialized skills, EACOP is supporting the sustainable growth of the sector, enhancing local content, and contributing to the country’s economic development.