Trans-Alaska pipeline marks 18 billionth barrel milestone
The 18 billionth barrel of crude oil from Alaska North Slope has passed through the Trans-Alaska pipeline system (TAPS), marking a significant milestone.
Commenting on the achievement, Tom Barret, president of TAPS operator Alyeska Pipeline Service, said: “This marks another significant operational milestone for TAPS, for Alaska and Alaskans, for the oil and gas industry, and countless individuals whose work carries on the remarkable legacy of this unique infrastructure.
“This milestone brings justifiable TAPS Pride among the smart, tough people at Alyeska Pipeline and our contractors who run TAPS safely every day.”
The pipeline started operations in 1977, with the first barrel of oil arriving in Valdez, Alaska in July. TAPS’ billionth barrel arrived in January 1980, with the 17 billionth barrel passing through the pipeline in July 2014.
Since commencing operations, North Slope crude oil transported by TAPS has brought in an estimated $145 billion (€130.8 billion) in revenue to the US state of Alaska.
Recent operational milestones include the 40th anniversary of TAPS operations in 2017; the number of tankers loaded (22,600) through October 2019; and the number of tanker escorts provided by Alyeska’s Ship Escort/Response Vessel System (almost 14,000).
“TAPS workers achieve these milestones with a laser focus on safety and the environment. Our team just marked 26 million hours of work without a serious injury,” added Barrett.
Commenting on the achievement, Tom Barret, president of TAPS operator Alyeska Pipeline Service, said: “This marks another significant operational milestone for TAPS, for Alaska and Alaskans, for the oil and gas industry, and countless individuals whose work carries on the remarkable legacy of this unique infrastructure.
“This milestone brings justifiable TAPS Pride among the smart, tough people at Alyeska Pipeline and our contractors who run TAPS safely every day.”
The pipeline started operations in 1977, with the first barrel of oil arriving in Valdez, Alaska in July. TAPS’ billionth barrel arrived in January 1980, with the 17 billionth barrel passing through the pipeline in July 2014.
Since commencing operations, North Slope crude oil transported by TAPS has brought in an estimated $145 billion (€130.8 billion) in revenue to the US state of Alaska.
Recent operational milestones include the 40th anniversary of TAPS operations in 2017; the number of tankers loaded (22,600) through October 2019; and the number of tanker escorts provided by Alyeska’s Ship Escort/Response Vessel System (almost 14,000).
“TAPS workers achieve these milestones with a laser focus on safety and the environment. Our team just marked 26 million hours of work without a serious injury,” added Barrett.
