Built from pure Alaska grit, determination and ingenuity, the 800-mile Trans Alaska Pipeline System is one of the world's largest pipeline systems. It’s an engineering icon that starts in Prudhoe Bay on Alaska’s North Slope and travels through rugged and beautiful terrain to Valdez, the northernmost ice-free port in North America. More than half of the pipeline runs above ground, an engineering decision made due to Alaska’s prevalent permafrost terrain. Since pipeline startup on June 20, 1977, Alyeska Pipeline (TAPS’ operator) has successfully transported more than 17 billion barrels of oil and loaded more than 22,000 tankers at the Valdez Marine Terminal. TAPS is a testament to the great Alaska spirit that has written our state’s history and is leading Alaska into the future. Workers operated in some of the toughest conditions to build the pipeline, and that true grit and resiliency remains today. Through bitter winters, powerful earthquakes, clouds of mosquitos, wildfires or 10-foot seas, Alyeska and its people are committed to safely operating TAPS 24/7, and protecting Alaska’s unique environment, culture and natural resources.
Did you work on TAPS? We want to know! Read stories of TAPS history here: http://www.alyeska-pipe.com/NewsCenter/AnniversaryStories