Abstract: Harnessing Arctic Energy--Trans-Alaska Pipeline

Wesley Witten

Loading the ship ARCO Juneau on August 1, 1977, marked the conclusion of 9 years of planning, development, and construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline system (TAPS). Simultaneously, loading of the Juneau marked the beginning of production and transportation of crude oil from the largest United States oil field for the benefit of the people of the United States.

TAPS, a remarkable engineering feat, is a noteworthy recognition of effort by thousands to explore technology, appreciate the environment, and have the stamina and courage to tackle a job when "We didn't know the job couldn't be done."

The system is 800 mi (1,290 km) long and cost $8 billion--the largest privately financed project to date. A 48-in. pipeline, 8 pump stations, 9 million-bbl terminal with 4 tanker berths describe the current system, which has a capacity of 1.2 million bbl daily. Ultimately, the system can be expanded to 2 million bbl a day with the addition of 4 more pump stations and more facilities at Valdez.

TAPS' future is important to Alaska, the oil industry, and the American consumer, as a necessary transportation link to harness the known and undeveloped North Slope crude oil reserves to serve the vital energy needs of the country.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90962©1978 AAPG 2nd Circum-Pacific Energy and Minerals Resource Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii