The Observer, May 2008
Alyeska Viewpoint 2007: Alyeska signs new contract for oil spill services
Peter Andersen
On March 1 of this year, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company entered into a new contract with Tatitlek Chenega Chugach LLC to provide oil spill response and maintenance services. TCC, as the company is known, has provided these services for the past twelve years, bringing extensive experience and expertise as part of Alyeska’s Ship Escort and Response Vessel System.
TCC is a joint venture of three Alaska Native Corporations including Tatitlek Corporation, Chenega Corporation and Chugach Management Services. The contract renewal process has afforded both companies an opportunity to examine how these services are delivered and has resulted in changes that not only allows SERVS to continue to meet its obligations with respect to oil spill prevention and response, but actually enhances the organization’s capability in this regard.
By far the most significant change is around how maintenance services are carried out and delivered. Under the old contract there were two groups of mechanics. Each group worked what we call a “day field schedule”—a week of shifts from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a week off.
A portion of those mechanics now form a single core maintenance team that works day shifts every week, Monday through Friday. This core team includes a master mechanic and a full time supervisor.
In addition a field schedule mechanic has been placed on each 12-hour day shift and night shift, ensuring at least one mechanic is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
This new approach to maintenance results in a more efficient and effective operation through a core team having ownership and accountability for the delivery of maintenance and improving continuity week to week. Issues that inevitably occur when work is handed over from one shift to the next have virtually been eliminated. This, along with the new mechanic coverage on the night shift, ensures that SERVS’ state of readiness to respond remains at a high level.
Throughout this process, Alyeska’s commitments and obligations to oil spill prevention and response continued to be and still remain our number one priority. Contingency plans were reviewed, unions were consulted, stakeholders were briefed, and the effects on people were all taken into consideration.
Though change and the accompanying uncertainty can be difficult, the feedback has been positive and the resulting benefits are supporting the decisions that have been made. Alyeska is excited by this new contract and looks forward to continuing its longstanding relationship with TCC.
Peter Andersen is operations manager of Alyeska’s Ship Escort/Response Vessel System.