The Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) reached a significant milestone on September 17th, pumping its 19th billion barrel of crude oil into the pipeline around 1AM. This engineering marvel, spanning 800 miles and boasting a diameter of 48 inches, took three years and two months to construct, including the pipeline itself, pump stations, roads, and terminal.
At peak construction, over 28,000 contractors and employees worked tirelessly to complete this project. The pipeline's construction over mountain ranges, rivers, permafrost, and major earthquake fault lines is a testament to the resilience and determination behind this engineering marvel.
In a press release by Alyeska Pipeline President & CEO John Kurz, he stated, "An often-referenced quote from the TAPS construction era goes, 'They didn't know it couldn't be done.' In that spirit, this once-implausible milestone for TAPS was made reality by the proud pipeline people at Alyeska Pipeline and our contractors who operate TAPS safely and reliably. This moment also honors countless individuals and organizations that continue adding to the iconic infrastructure’s legacy, as well as Alaska’s residents and leaders and the state's hardworking oil and gas industry."
The Trump Administration has made Alaska a focal point of its domestic energy policy. In June, members of the presidential cabinet and administration visited Alaska, including a visit to Pump Station 1 in Prudhoe Bay. Discussions centered around the key role Alaska oil and gas will play in the United States becoming energy dominant with developments like Willow and Pikka on the horizon.
"That work, paired with an environment of support and action from federal and state energy policy leaders, has us focused on TAPS 100 and many more milestones ahead," says Kurz. The future promises continued growth and development for Alaska's oil industry, celebrating its past successes while looking towards a promising future.
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