Uganda’s oil and gas sector is experiencing significant growth, marked by numerous ongoing projects. In a move to safeguard the industry against substandard imports and guarantee the safety and reliability of products used in the oil and gas sector, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has implemented the Uganda Pre-Export and Verification of Conformity Programme (PVoC).
Under this conformity assessment program, which verifies that the import of oil and gas-related equipment and materials conforms to Uganda’s standards, the Ugandan Government has appointed HQTS as one of the official service providers.
Uganda’s Three Main Oil and Gas Projects
Uganda stands as the epicenter for some of East Africa’s most expansive petroleum production projects, featuring three primary initiatives: Tilenga, Kingfisher, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
Tilenga
The Tilenga project, situated in the Lake Albert project, is operated by TotalEnergies in collaboration with CNOOC and UNOC. This multifaceted project encompasses exploration, drilling, and oil production across over nine onshore fields, including one within the Murchison Falls National Park.
Kingfisher
Kingfisher is an onshore upstream oilfield situated along the shores of Lake Albert in Kikuube district. The project encompasses the drilling of thirty-one development wells over a span of five years. Additionally, it involves the installation of a pipeline for the export of oil to Tanzania.
EACOP Project
The EACOP project, a 1443-kilometer heated, insulated, and buried crude oil export pipeline, links Albertine Graben in Uganda to the international oil market. Commencing from Kabaale, Hoima District, it concludes at the Marine Storage Terminal and Load Out Facility at Chongoleani, Tanga District in Tanzania. The pipeline is designed to transport 216,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
HQTS as a Service Agent for Uganda PAU PVoC for Specialised Oil and Gas Materials and Equipment
Exporters are required to comply with Uganda’s standards in the country of origin, and the goods must undergo inspection by an authorised Uganda PAU PVoC service agent.
HQTS has entered into an agreement with the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to perform Pre-Export Verification of Conformity Assessments on specialised equipment and materials for oil and gas projects in Uganda. It is one of only two contracted companies globally. In addition to the certification service, HQTS has previously been engaged to provide PAU Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) services for inspecting general goods destined for Uganda.
Uganda PAU PVoC Program Effective from March 1
The PAU Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) assessment for imported specialised materials and equipment used in oil and gas projects in Uganda will be in effect from March 1, 2024.
Post this date, all imports of related equipment and materials must adhere to Uganda standards in the country of origin and carry a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
The Uganda PVoC can only be issued by contracted service providers, with Helmsman Quality and Technology Services Company Ltd. (HQTS) being one of them. A CoC will only be granted upon confirmation that the goods align with applicable Uganda standards through the product conformity assessment program.
HQTS: A Global Leader in Quality Assurance and Uganda PAU PVoC
Established over 25 years ago, HQTS has grown into one of the leading testing, inspection, and certification companies in the world, with a workforce exceeding 2,500 professionals and a presence in more than 40 countries.
HQTS is involved in multiple conformity assessment programs and has a team of industry experts ready to assist your business at every stage of the application process, regardless of your business’s geographical location.
The Core Advantages at HQTS Include:
- Complete PVoC Certification Services
- Over 25 Years of Industry-Leading Expertise
- Global Service Network for Quick Accessibility
- Recognised International Accreditations
- Flexibility and Expedited Services
- Tailored Solutions to Your Unique Business Needs, Regardless of Your Size