Two Years of Innovation and Commitment: PCK’s Smart Manufacturing Powers the TotalEnergies EACOP Project

On August 29, 2025, as the final shipment of steel pipes for the TotalEnergies East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Project departed from Xuwei Port in Lianyungang, Chu Kong Steel Pipe (PCK) successfully concluded a two-year journey of engineering, innovation, and delivery. This milestone reflects PCK’s strength in “smart manufacturing” and its contribution to global energy infrastructure.

A Landmark Energy Project

The EACOP project is the world’s longest heated crude oil pipeline, stretching 1,540 kilometers with a daily transport capacity of up to 246,000 barrels. Once completed, it will connect Uganda and Tanzania, strengthening East Africa’s energy security and fueling regional economic growth.

The project’s scale and complexity demanded exceptionally high technical standards: durability in harsh terrain, resistance to extreme temperatures, and precision welding and coating performance. By undertaking the full-line supply of steel pipes—totaling 260,000 tons—PCK demonstrated its confidence in technical excellence and its capability to meet world-class requirements.

From Trial Production to International Recognition

PCK’s preparations began well before the formal contract. In late 2022 and early 2023, the Lianyungang technical team, led by Vice General Manager and Chief Engineer Pei Yinzhu, successfully completed two trial productions under the close supervision of TotalEnergies representatives from France. Every stage—from raw material selection to welding optimization and anti-corrosion coating tests—was rigorously verified. Both trials were successful, laying a solid foundation for cooperation.

In April 2023, PCK officially secured the full supply contract. This marked TotalEnergies’ first large-scale exclusive procurement in China, a milestone that not only boosted PCK’s business but also signified international recognition of its manufacturing capabilities.

A Two-Year Timeline of Commitment

From 2023 to 2025, PCK advanced the project with determination and precision. Key milestones included:

−       May 2023: Technical upgrades to the 18-meter production line at the Lianyungang base, ensuring readiness for large-scale manufacturing.

−       August 2023: Successful launch of mass production, officially opening the 260,000-ton order.

−       October 25, 2023: First shipment to East Africa—followed by 16 consecutive on-time deliveries with zero delays.

−       November 26, 2024: PCK joined the TotalEnergies Annual Supplier Conference in Paris, becoming one of only four suppliers invited to share best practices globally.

−       August 21, 2025: The Lianyungang base successfully completed the final batch of production, marking the conclusion of pipe manufacturing for the EACOP project.

−       August 24, 2025: The last pipe’s coating operations was completed, with all pipes meeting TotalEnergies’ strict international standards.

−       A convoy carrying the final batch of steel pipes departed from PCK’s plant and headed to the port for consolidation, officially marking the start of the final delivery phase of the EACOP project.

−       August 29, 2025: The final shipment of pipes departed from Xuwei Port aboard a 30,000-ton ocean vessel, officially concluding PCK’s full delivery for the EACOP project.

Empowering “Made in China” on the Global Stage

The successful execution of the EACOP project highlights not only PCK’s technical strength but also the rising global competitiveness of China’s smart manufacturing. With this achievement, PCK has proven its ability to compete alongside the world’s leading suppliers in high-end energy infrastructure projects.

Looking ahead, PCK will continue to build on the EACOP experience, setting new benchmarks in innovation, quality, and delivery. By leveraging advanced manufacturing and global collaboration, we remain committed to contributing “Chinese strength” to energy infrastructure worldwide.