The Alaskan Pipeline (interesting Facts & Info)

The Alaskan pipeline was formed because of history and also made history. Construction of the Trans Alaskan Pipeline began in the year 1975 after the biggest oil strike in United States history took place in 1968.  The strike was found underneath Prudhoe Bay.

This Alaskan pipeline was designed to transport oil from Prudhoe Bay to other locations.  On June 20 of 1977, oil left Prudhoe Bay through the pipeline for the first time ever.  There, it began its 789-mile-long journey to Valdez.

On a very eventful day in March 1989, an oil tanker spilled 260,000 to 750,000 barrels full of crude oil into Prince William Sound.  As of today, there is much oil that still remains there.

This event inspired federal agencies to increase their response times, and the construction and capacity of tanker hulls have been adjusted to prevent future related incidents.

However, because of the oil pipeline, there are many Alaskan pipeline jobs available for people looking for well-paying work.

Interesting Facts about the Trans Alaskan Pipeline

1. The pipeline has a purpose for its elevation. The purpose of the pipeline being above ground is to prevent the oil being heated inside of it from thawing the permafrost on the ground. Additionally, it is also elevated for the purpose and protection of wildlife.  For example, because the pipeline is above ground animals can pass and travel under it with more ease and safety.  Not only that but certain parts and portions of the pipeline are also buried with the same intentions: to protect wildlife.
2. Construction of the pipeline cost a total of $8 billion. Although construction of the pipeline began on March 27 of 1975, the final weld wasn’t finished until May 31 of 1977, over two years after. But after completion, the pipeline was quick to work.  Just twenty one days later, on June 20, the first round of oil took its trip through the pipeline.  But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.  Mechanical difficulties put a large hiatus on the operation and construction of the pipeline, and it took over a month for the oil to finally get to Valdez.
3. The pipeline is larger than most of us realize. After the oil has been moved from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, it is introduced to the United States. The US has ports in what is called the US Lower 48 which receive the oil being hauled in.  To do this, the pipeline measures to be a long 1,300 kilometers in length.  Crossing three mountain ranges and 800 streams and rivers, the Alaskan pipeline truly is a historical innovation.

Alaskan Pipeline Jobs

Trans Alaska pipeline work is in high demand and is one of the best jobs in the oil and gas industry.

Additionally, if you have any experience with northern pipelining at all, you will be well off working in the Alaskan oil field.

With the location of the pipeline being in Prudhoe Bay, this is where most of the work is found and needed.  Millions of barrels loaded with oil flow through the pipeline per day, supplying the United States with 15 percent of its oil needs.

Furthermore, there are plans set in place to build yet another pipeline.  This new pipeline will take an estimated 8 years to construct and billions of dollars to afford.  For this, work in the industry is in higher demand than ever, and the salary is extremely high pay.

The types of jobs and workers needed consist of general laborers (commonly called roughnecks), drillers, derrick hands, floor hands, and a team of supervisors.  These positions include the tasks of organizing, overseeing, and taking action in oil construction projects, oil flow, worker management, and more.

Also wanted are pipeline design engineers, pipeline walkers, pipeline inspectors and supervisors.  People who hold these positions are responsible for making sure that the oil flow through the pipe stays constant, and never runs out.

Generally, many of these jobs are a guaranteed hire if you have any experience at all in the oil and gas industry, and applicants with experience in oil and gas within the north are at an even better advantage.

Ever since day one of construction of the Trans Alaskan Pipeline, it had a purpose of solving a problem and that purpose has continued to serve the country for decades later.

With new projects coming extremely soon, and with the constant need of management and supervision of the current pipeline and oil flow, there is a multitude of job opportunities you can take advantage of today in the Alaskan oil industry.

The demand is high for workers, and it isn’t expected to run out any time soon.  So if you have experience in the oil industry, get in on this movement.  It is an opportunity worth taking.