Face to Face
Rod Hanson
Valdez Marine Terminal Manager
Published January 2002

The year 2001 saw Alyeska’s biggest project season on the Terminal since start-up. What were some of the high points and why were they significant?

We were fully funded at roughly $100 million and, I’m proud to say, we accomplished most of what we set out to do. We had over 100 separate projects to manage this year and, while some work will carry over into next year’s program, we still accomplished a tremendous deal. While we use the term “project” to describe the work, it is really major maintenance activity associated with the renewal of the Terminal asset. For example, we overhauled Berth 5 which included refurbishment of the loading arms, new valves and electrical cabling. We replaced the incinerator waste gas piping at Power Vapor and the recovered crude pipeline at the Ballast Water Treatment facility. We even broke ground and closed in a new office building on the Terminal. At the same time, we didn’t lose sight of some of the smaller items. By addressing things like maintenance painting, road paving and cable-tray maintenance – the sorts of items that don’t draw a lot of attention – we avoid more costly repairs in the future.

What can we expect in 2002?

More of the same! I expect we’ll be even more focused and disciplined on our scope of work this year. We’re well ahead of where we were last year at this time. We’ll be starting much earlier in the season this year and plan to wrap up the major work before Thanksgiving. I envision a couple more years of significant renewal work to set ourselves up well for operating the Terminal another 20-plus years.

What do you consider key to a successful maintenance season?

First and foremost, people who care. By that I mean, for example, people who take personal ownership of safety – theirs and those around them.

Second, excellent planning and the discipline to stick to the plan. And third, I’d say teamwork and coordination. We need to remember that we’re running a business. We need to make good sound decisions on what we do and then make sure we keep our focus on doing that work in the most cost-effective way possible.

What energizes you outside the workplace?

This past year, I’d have to say exploring beautiful Prince William Sound with my family – flying and fishing. In 2002, it will be seeing our new log home constructed here in Valdez.