Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. has ended oil flow prorations on the trans-Alaska pipeline system as of May 22.
"Alyeska Pipeline returns to normal operations tomorrow," Brigham A. McCown, Alyeska president said in a May 21 Twitter post. "After reviewing flow rates, current and projected inventory, and vessel movements, we will be eliminating the remaining 5% curtailment of shipments (proration) imposed earlier in May."
The action comes one week after Alyeska cut its curtailment of shipments from 15% to 5% on May 15.
Alyeska instituted the prorations April 24 because of inventory concerns – to avoid overloading the 800-mile pipeline and it's 6.6 million barrel tank farm at the Valdez marine terminal.
McCown said in a May 18 post that inventory, and supply chain distribution improvements have made the lifting of prorations possible. If inventory in the pipeline system rises above 75%, Alyeska adjusts by altering tanker schedules, or by proration – requesting producers to send less oil.
-STEVE SUTHERLIN
See full stories in May 31 issue, available online Friday, May 29 at www.PetroleumNews.com
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