The local branch of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) in Uganda and the Petroleum Authority of Uganda conducted the country's first oil spill emergency drill in Hoima, which will help enhance the nation's response capability to deal with pollution emergencies, the company told the Global Times on Tuesday.

The drill simulated the rupture of inflow pipeline between the No.3 well filed in Kingfisher oilfield and the central processing station, incorporating different models and various scenarios, which fully tested the emergency response capability and collaboration between Uganda and oilfield operators in case of sudden crude oil spills.

Chen Zhuobiao, the president of CNOOC Uganda, said that the company will continue strengthening safety awareness and urge contractors to implement safety and environmental protection measures to ensure that construction work for the Kingfisher oilfield project progress smoothly.

A local official said that the drill improved the emergency response capability and practical skills for local oilfield operators, while enhanced the coordination capability of emergency disposal for various departments of the Uganda government, adding that it significantly promoted safe and efficient development of local oilfields.

Uganda discovered the country's first commercial oilfield in 2006 in the Lake Albert area, covering an area of 1,518 square kilometers with 6 billion barrels of reserves. CNOOC-participated Lake Alberta project officially launched construction in February 2022, which is expected to begin production early 2025. The project will bring new development opportunities for Uganda to become an important crude oil producer in East Africa.

Global Times