First maintenance shutdown of the year

Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. performed an 18-hour major maintenance shutdown of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline beginning 6 a.m. May 6, the first shutdown of the year.

Projects scheduled for the shutdown included isolation of below-ground piping at the Valdez Marine Terminal for internal integrity inspection using new technology; confirming functionality of newly installed control systems; and routine maintenance on electrical and mechanical systems at various pump stations.

Alyeska said other project and major maintenance work is planned for upcoming months during a subsequent 18-hour shutdown and multiple short-duration shutdowns that will last up to 10 hours.

BP Exploration (Alaska) spokeswoman Dawn Patience told Petroleum News in an email that BP has a scheduled turnaround later this summer. Work will be at Gathering Center 1 and will be “focused on piping replacements, facility maintenance, vessel repairs and other improvement projects,” with the temporary facility shutdowns allowing workers to safely work around equipment.

Hilcorp Alaska took advantage of the May shutdown of the pipeline. Spokeswoman Lori Nelson told Petroleum News Hilcorp “did planned maintenance on pumps, generators, valves and vessels and some required well work” which could be sheltered within the 18-hour showdown which required a 30 percent cut in production.

- KRISTEN NELSON