Looking back on a proud history for the pipeline

Alaska confronts many challenges ahead, including some serious infrastructure gaps for our communities and industries. But one reliable asset always operating for our state is the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. As I prepare to transfer management of the world’s most iconic pipeline to its next leader, I want to encourage Alaskans to continue to confidently support TAPS and the state’s broader oil industry.

My transition from the role of Alyeska president has prompted reflection on TAPS’ long legacy and its very bright future. The pipeline is the crown jewel of Alaska’s legendary and historic projects. When the line was built, no one could have envisioned what a substantial role 800 miles of steel would play in Alaska’s development as a state, in the lives of thousands of Alaskans or in strengthening America’s energy independence.

Back in the day, there were naysayers who said TAPS literally couldn’t be built; through innovation and toughness, we proved them wrong. Activists predicted TAPS’ very existence would decimate caribou populations; today, the Porcupine caribou herd is thriving. Skeptics said Alaska would run out of oil after 20 years; TAPS moved its 18-billionth barrel of oil early this month, in our 42nd year of operations. Our story, still being written, is one of repeatedly beating odds and unfounded predictions, and ultimately, thriving.

The “meet the challenge, solve the problem” attitude that defined the builders’ indomitable approach remains a hallmark of the TAPS workforce today. In my nine years on TAPS, it has been an honor to work with our bright and diverse professionals. With Alaska grit, they continually charge ahead, with a collective focus on safety, innovation, protecting Alaska’s dynamic environment and supporting our communities. Always searching for more efficient and safer ways of doing things, and problem-solving in pursuit of the pipeline’s path forward, TAPS people are committed to operational excellence, and to sustaining TAPS operating capability. They embody TAPS Pride — an optimistic and conscious caretaking attitude one can feel and see at our pump stations and operation centers, in the field and in our offices.

This pride is evident in TAPS’ near-perfect reliability of 99.8%; no lost-time injuries in more than 26 million work hours; and recently, a study released by our citizens advisory group measuring hydrocarbon levels near our Valdez terminal that found saltwater environmental impacts of our Prince William Sound operations at an all-time low. We fully appreciate the risks we confront in our work. Our people daily demonstrate that balance can be successfully achieved between resource development, safety and environmental protection.

An engineering marvel when built, TAPS is not the same today as it was back then; it’s better in many ways. Technological upgrades to the line, new equipment and people with new perspectives and skills will keep the pipeline vibrant as it ages. With the recent addition of a modern, cutting-edge fleet of marine vessels in Prince William Sound and our constant attention to readiness, Alyeska makes the serious work of moving oil beyond mile 800 safer than ever.

The fact that TAPS’ proven infrastructure already exists and can be sustained going forward grants Alaska a competitive advantage. Not long ago, as a company, we were asking “how low can we go” in terms of safely operating at declining throughput levels. Through that necessary exercise, we identified solutions to sustainability.

Recently, our conversation and analysis has refocused on our capability to handle more oil flow, thanks to new North Slope discoveries and the potential to develop billions of barrels of new oil. If Alaska can sustain a positive investment climate for more North Slope oil production, TAPS can move the resulting resources. We join other Alaskans concerned about increasing North Slope oil taxes again, especially when serious opportunities for Alaska are within reach. I encourage Alaskans to approach such proposals with a healthy dose of skepticism.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity I have had to lead the team of dedicated Alaskans who operate and maintain TAPS. I will miss these talented professionals. Take heart, Alaskans; your pipeline system is in their capable hands. I have no doubt TAPS will continue to shine as an Alaska infrastructure wonder and economic heartbeat for many years to come.

Tom Barrett is president of Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., operator of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. In early 2020, Barrett will retire after serving nine years as president of Alyeska. He is the longest-serving president of the company.

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