In the Field
New Operations Control Center begins 24/7 operations

Alyeska’s new Operations Control Center (OCC) began operating fulltime in January. This followed a successful period of parallel operations, when Alyeska ran the new OCC during the day, with primary control of the Pipeline and Terminal from the Anchorage site, and transferred control back to the Valdez OCC during the night shift. This phase of the OCC Relocation Project came after several months of testing performed on all communications, networks, control systems and applications necessary to safely operate and control TAPS from the new control center.

“This parallel testing phase ensured us that all systems perform as designed, and it helped identify any gaps prior to proceeding with 24/7 operations from the Anchorage location,” said Mike Joynor, Vice President Oil Movements. “Our goal is to have a seamless transition between Valdez and Anchorage.”

An alternate Operations Control Center (AOCC) is currently under construction and will be operational by late first quarter. On completion and acceptance testing, the AOCC will provide a redundant control center in case of an emergency or other events.

The decision to move the control center to Anchorage allows OCC personnel to work more closely with the oil movements and scheduling teams that are already based in Anchorage.

The OCC controllers can instantaneous monitor and control all significant aspects of operation, including pipeline leak detection 24 hours a day and control oil movement through the pipeline and loading of tankers.

“To date, the performance of the new OCC has met our expectations, with only minor issues identified,” said Joynor.

Approximately 20 employees are relocating in the move.