Tanzania and Uganda_
CASE STUDY
Utilising our UAV, we undertook a non-intrusive UXO survey for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project.
Brimstone partnered with a specialist risk management, security and logistics provider to deliver comprehensive surveying solutions for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project (also known as EACOP).
Leveraging our expertise in unexploded ordnance (UXO) risk management and our innovative use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), we played a pivotal role in ensuring the safe and efficient construction of this critical pipeline.
Project Overview
The EACOP pipeline aims to establish a buried pipeline network for transporting oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert oilfields to the port of Tanga in Tanzania, connecting the rich oil resources of East Africa to global markets.
Once the pipeline installation is complete, topsoil and vegetation will be reinstated, creating a surface that will be safe for both people and wildlife along its entire length. While the majority of the pipeline will be located in Tanzania, it will also include pumping stations in Uganda, which meant we deployed teams to undertake surveys in both countries.
Providing GIS Solutions
Brimstone’s involvement commenced with the provision of Geographic Information System (GIS) solutions, aiding in the identification of existing pipelines and potential anomalies in Tanzania. Our team conducted a magnetometer survey, producing false-colour maps and a target list that served as a foundation for further investigation by the client.
Our advanced UAV delivered exceptional results thanks to its resistance to wind and high temperatures, both of which we experienced in Tanzania and Uganda. This is due to the modifications we have made to our UAVs, fitting them with sensors, detectors, and effectors that enable surveying and detection solutions in tough-to-access environments.
Supporting Local Farmers in Tanzania
Whilst undertaking this work, we responded to a request from local Tanzanian farmers who suspected the presence of a past anomaly on their farm. Using our cutting-edge LiDAR and Photogrammetry technology, we successfully identified a crater that bore signs of an air-dropped bomb. This discovery, combined with the magnetometry data, allowed us to create a precise map pinpointing the anomaly’s location.
Project Impact
Our comprehensive surveying solutions not only contribute to the safe construction of the EACOP pipeline but also demonstrate our unwavering commitment to local communities and environmental responsibility. By identifying potential UXO risks and anomalies, we ensured the safety of both the construction teams and the communities living along the pipeline’s route.
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