On Tuesday, 5 August 2025, a ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Cameroon Oil Transportation Company (COTCO) in Douala to mark the signing of the protocol for the transfer of equipment to monitor the impact of the 2×225 KV high-voltage power line operated by the Nachtigal Hydro Power Company (NHPC) on the Chad-Cameroon pipeline.

Signed by COTCO’s General Manager, Jean-Paul SIMO NJONOU, and NHPC’s Deputy General Manager, Pierre EDIMO, this protocol marks the culmination of a technical, institutional, and human process that began in 2015.

The interaction between the NHPC high-voltage line and the COTCO pipeline at PK 824 in the Nkometou I area (Obala subdivision) could potentially impact the pipeline due to induced currents. To ensure the pipeline’s integrity, the two companies agreed to conduct a study to determine whether electromagnetic interference currents could impact the pipeline’s corrosion. This study concluded that there would be no impact on the pipeline and recommended installing a technical monitoring device on the pipeline. This was completed in December 2023.

“The signing of this agreement is the result of excellent collaboration between our two companies. It is also an example of a partnership that has ensured the NHPC project will not negatively impact the Chad-Cameroon pipeline”, said COTCO General Manager Jean-Paul SIMO NJONOU, who praised NHPC’s rigour and consistent commitment.

NHPC Deputy General Manager Pierre EDIMO said he was honoured by this cooperation between the two companies. He noted that the project exemplifies a successful partnership between two major players in the energy and hydrocarbon transport sectors.

This external corrosion monitoring system guarantees the safety of the Chad-Cameroon pipeline and demonstrates the responsibility of both companies.

Following the signing of this protocol, COTCO will take over management of the monitoring unit and its daily operations, with the aim of ensuring the integrity of the pipeline and strengthening the infrastructure’s resilience against technical risks associated with neighbouring facilities.