Integrity Management on TAPS
Communications

From the new Operations Control Center (OCC) to the Unified Plan project, Alyeska is making long-term investments to ensure the future operability of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS).

In January 2008, Alyeska’s OCC moved from Valdez to Anchorage and began operating full time after several months of testing communications networks, control systems and applications. OCC controllers can instantaneously monitor and control all significant aspects of operation, including leak detection, oil movement and the loading of tankers, 24 hours a day.

The communication control system that runs along the pipeline from Pump Station 1 to the Valdez Marine Terminal is designed for triple redundancy protection, utilizing digital microwave, fiber optic cable and satellite control communications channels. The multiple mediums ensure the quick and reliable transfer of information throughout TAPS.