News Bulletin 1407
Alyeska wins API’s Distinguished Operator Award

ANCHORAGE, AK – The American Petroleum Institute today gave the 2008 Distinguished Operator Award to Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, the company that maintains and operates the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). The award is among the oil industry’s top honors and is reserved for pipeline operators that demonstrate excellence in safety, environment and integrity.

Alyeska President and CEO Kevin Hostler attended today’s API conference in Dallas as the award was announced.

“This is among the industry’s highest honors and it is not awarded lightly,” Hostler said. “API sets rigorous minimum criteria to just apply, and simply meeting those targets does not guarantee a company will receive the Distinguished Operator Award. The fact that Alyeska has been honored with this speaks to the pride and teamwork of TAPS employees who are committed to safety, the environment, and the integrity of the pipeline.”

The Distinguished Operator Award is API’s highest safety and environmental performance award for pipeline operators. Only one large operator may win the award each year.

The award recognizes Alyeska’s record in community outreach, public safety, environmental and safety performance, integrity management, and use of technology. The selection committee cited several major Alyeska achievements and initiatives that made the company stand apart, including a long track record of environmental performance, supported by five API Environmental Performance Awards, a focus on soft tissue injury prevention, significant engagement with external stakeholders, and no leaks on the mainline due to corrosion.

“Though TAPS is facing challenges associated with declining throughput, this award shows that Alyeska remains committed to safety, the environment, and to Alaskans and their communities,” Hostler said. “All TAPS employees should be proud of the teamwork it takes every day to safely and reliably maintain and operate the pipeline.”

Alyeska previously won the Distinguished Operator Award in 2005. In addition to the Distinguished Operator honor, API also awarded Alyeska with the 2008 Environmental Performance Award.

For further information, contact Michelle Egan, Alyeska Corporate Communications Director, at 787-8870.

For more information on Alyeska, visit the company’s website at www.alyeska-pipe.com.

Source: Alyeska Pipeline Service Company