TAZAMA pipeline capacity surges

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania–Zambia Crude Oil Pipeline (TAZAMA) is set to transport between 1.2 billion and 1.3 billion litres of fuel annually, following the introduction of a Drag Reduction Agent (DRA) to improve pipeline efficiency.

The system will help to reduce friction and increase fluid flow by minimising turbulence within the pipe, essentially acting like a lubricant for the fluid, allowing for more efficient transportation of liquids like crude oil or refined products.

The increase in fuel transportation is a major leap from the previous 700 million litres, bringing the pipeline closer to meeting Zambia’s annual fuel demand of 1 billion litres.

The adoption of DRA has significantly increased daily fuel transportation capacity, in which during trial phases, fuel transport surged from 2.6 million – 2.8 million litres per day to 3.5 million – 3.6 million litres per day.

This milestone was highlighted by Tanzania’s Perma nent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Eng Felchesmi Mramba, during the official launch of the DRA recently in Dar es Salaam.

The event was attended by Zambia’s Minister for Energy, Mr Makozo Chikote, Zambia’s Permanent Sec retary in the Ministry of Energy, TAZAMA Board Chairman Mr Peter Mum ba, TAZAMA’s Managing Director and other officials from both Tanzania and Zambia. Eng Mramba said that the system will greatly en hance fuel transportation, allowing a higher volume to be transported in a shorter time.

“TAZAMA has intro duced the DRA to enhance efficiency by enabling fuel to flow smoothly through the pipeline, increasing the volume transported in a shorter period.

Previously, the pipeline could handle 2.8 million litres per day, but with this innovation, it can now transport 3.6 million litres per day, marking a substantial 30 per cent increase.

This boost in ca pacity translates to greater economic benefits for both Tanzania and Zambia,” said Eng Mramba. Eng Mramba highlighted that the improved performance of TAZAMA will lead to greater financial benefits for both nations.

“Last year, Tanzania and Zambia received dividends from their investment in TAZAMA, with Tanza nia alone earning approximately 4bn/-. With these efficiency improvements, we anticipate even higher dividends this year,” he said.

He noted that implementing the technology has been a cost-effective alternative to expanding the pipeline infrastructure.

“Instead of investing heavily in expanding the pipeline, we have significantly increased fuel transport capacity at a fraction of the cost.

This solution has proven highly successful and efficient,” he said He further commended TAZAMA for embracing innovation, stressing the importance of continuing to adopt modern technologies to achieve significant progress at minimal costs.

“This achievement demonstrates that through modern technology, we can make significant advancements without requiring huge financial investments. By leveraging innovation, we have achieved this milestone efficiently and afford ably. This proves that creativity and technology can drive great achievements at minimal costs,” said Eng Mramba.

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He also reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening ties with Zambia through joint strategic projects that benefit both countries.

“Our partnership with Zambia remains strong and we will continue working together for the benefit of our nations. Currently, we are constructing a second, larger fuel pipeline and we are also developing a major power transmission line to enhance connectivity between Tanzania and Zambia,” he said.

On his part, Zambia Minister for Energy, Mr Makozo Chikote, hailed the DRA launch as a game changer in pipeline operations, highlighting its role in efficiency, growth and sustainability.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era in pipeline operations. Efficiency will be redefined. Sustain ability will be strengthened. Fuel transport volumes will increase significantly. This innovation will bring excellence, efficiency, sus tainability and overall im provements in supply chain operations,” he said.

Moreover, TAZAMA’s Managing Director, Mr Davidson Mtewete, said that the adoption of DRA aligns with directives from Zambia’s Ministry of Energy, which encouraged the company to enhance efficiency.

He said the system has already demonstrated significant improvements operations, enabling to meet and even exceed national diesel demand. “While we are still in the early stages, the results are clear—our operations have improved tremendously.

The company is now positioned to match or even exceed the pipeline’s original design capacity,” he said.