A preventative maintenance project on the Nikiski Alaska Pipeline has been completed.
Tesoro operates that pipeline that runs underground from Nikiski, across the Cook Inlet and ends at the Port of Anchorage.
Tesoro Refinery Vice President Cameron Hunt said it was a huge project.
Hunt: “That started late last year when we ran some smart pigs and found some issues with the pipeline. We’ve done all the digs and all the repairs, it was done without spilling any oil and it went very very well. It was a coordinated effort between many different departments and many different contractors.”
Portions of the pipeline where inspectors found thin walls were dug out and replaced. The pipeline has since been re-pressurized without incident.
We asked Hunt if Tesoro has been affected by the low oil prices.
Hunt: “Production is still really good in the Cook Inlet and ANS is available, our reliability is really good and things are running very well at the refinery right now.”
He said although it is a tough time for the state right now he feels confident the drop in oil prices will turn around soon.
