Emergency Response
TAP maintains the systems, resources and trained personnel required to respond effectively to emergencies and to protect people, the environment, our assets and the communities in which we operate.
TAP works closely with national and local emergency services, competent authorities, our operations and maintenance contractors, and other relevant organisations to maintain an appropriate level of emergency preparedness.
Emergency and crisis management
We take a “one-asset” approach to crisis and emergency response. A common Crisis and Emergency Response Plan applies across the TAP system and is supported by country- and facility-specific response plans. These arrangements cover TAP’s onshore and offshore pipeline sections, compressor stations, the Pipeline Receiving Terminal and other operational facilities in Greece, Albania and Italy.
TAP’s crisis and emergency response organisation is based on two levels:
- Level 1 - Emergency level: operational response is managed by the Emergency Response Team at or close to the incident location. The team coordinates the immediate response, assesses the situation, supports field intervention and liaises with external emergency services as required.
- Level 2 - Crisis level: strategic and tactical management is undertaken by the Crisis Management Team. The team sets overall priorities and direction, coordinates the company-wide response and manages the wider business, stakeholder and reputational implications of the event.
Emergency control and pipeline monitoring are supported by TAP’s integrated dispatching organisation and Supervisory Control Centre in Italy. TAP also maintains Emergency Response Teams within its asset management organisations in Greece, Albania and Italy. Their roles, responsibilities, notification arrangements and interfaces with external emergency services are defined in the applicable facility response plan.
TAP’s operations and maintenance contractors provide the specialist personnel and resources needed for field intervention. Depending on the location and nature of the emergency, TAP also coordinates with national and local emergency services and other competent authorities.
Training, exercises and continuous improvement
TAP regularly conducts emergency response training, drills and simulation exercises to test plans, communication arrangements, decision-making, mobilisation and coordination between the Emergency Response Team, the Crisis Management Team, dispatching, contractors and external emergency services.
Lessons identified during exercises and actual events are recorded and used to strengthen plans, procedures, training and response arrangements. Exercises may also involve external organisations or independent observers to support assurance and continuous improvement. The current emergency arrangements continue to be tested through country and facility exercises, including planned evacuation and scenario-based drills.
