MANAGING EFFICIENT SHUTDOWNS & TURNAROUNDS
“Delivering Safe, Timely, and Cost-Effective Plant Outages Through Proven Shutdown Strategies”
Course Schedule
| Date | Venue | Fees (Face-to-Face) |
|---|---|---|
| 01 – 05 Feb 2026 | Manama, Bahrain | USD 3495 per delegate |
| 12 – 16 Jul 2026 | Kuwait | USD 3495 per delegate |
| 16 – 20 Aug 2026 | Doha – Qatar | USD 3495 per delegate |
Course Introduction
Shutdowns and turnarounds (SDTAs) are among the most critical, complex, and costly events in asset-intensive industries. A well-executed shutdown ensures long-term equipment reliability, safety compliance, and operational continuity. However, without proper planning and execution, shutdowns often exceed budgets, run over schedule, and cause operational disruptions.
This intensive five-day course equips participants with the essential knowledge, tools, and practices for managing efficient plant shutdowns and turnarounds. From scope definition and work planning to contractor management and post-shutdown reviews, participants will gain hands-on strategies for delivering shutdowns safely, on time, and within budget.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Plan and execute shutdowns and turnarounds systematically and efficiently
• Define shutdown scope, estimate resources, and manage stakeholder expectations
• Develop integrated schedules and critical path timelines
• Apply proven cost control, safety, and quality management practices during outages
• Conduct post-turnaround reviews and implement continuous improvements
Key Benefits of Attending
• Gain practical tools to plan, control, and execute successful shutdowns
• Reduce schedule delays and budget overruns through disciplined planning
• Improve cross-department coordination and communication during critical outages
• Learn how to manage contractors, materials, and risk during turnarounds
• Enhance plant reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance
Intended Audience
This program is designed for:
• Shutdown and turnaround managers
• Maintenance planners and engineers
• Operations and plant supervisors
• Project and reliability engineers
• HSE coordinators and contractor supervisors involved in SDTAs
Individual Benefits
Key competencies that will be developed include:
• Shutdown work scope definition and planning
• Scheduling, resource leveling, and critical path analysis
• Contractor and vendor coordination during outages
• Risk management and contingency planning
• Cost tracking, performance metrics, and audit techniques
Organization Benefits
Upon completing the training course, participants will demonstrate:
• More predictable and controlled shutdown outcomes
• Higher asset reliability post-turnaround
• Reduced risk of safety incidents during outages
• Stronger contractor performance and reduced downtime
• Continuous improvement in SDTA management across cycles
Instructional Methdology
The course follows a blended learning approach combining theory with practice:
• Strategy Briefings – Overview of shutdown best practices and project management principles
• Case Studies – Real-world turnaround challenges and success factors
• Workshops – Scope definition, schedule building, risk analysis, and resource planning
• Peer Exchange – Group discussions and lessons learned from prior SDTA experiences
• Tools – Templates for scope control, scheduling, job packs, and audit checklists
Course Outline
Detailed 5-Day Course Outline
Training Hours: 07:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Daily Format: 3–4 Learning Modules | Coffee breaks: 09:30 & 11:15 | Lunch Buffet: 01:00 – 02:00
Day 1: Shutdown & Turnaround Fundamentals
- Module 1: Introduction to Shutdowns and Turnarounds (07:30 – 09:30)
• Types, objectives, and drivers of shutdown events
• Lifecycle phases and organizational impact - Module 2: Scope Development and Work Identification (09:45 – 11:15)
• Scope freeze, worklist generation, and validation
• Categorizing critical vs optional work - Module 3: Shutdown Organization and Roles (11:30 – 01:00)
• SDTA team structure and stakeholder roles
• Communication and approval processes - Module 4: Workshop – Define a Shutdown Scope (02:00 – 03:30)
• Develop scope items for a sample plant outage
Day 2: Planning, Estimating & Scheduling
- Module 1: Shutdown Planning Process (07:30 – 09:30)
• Workpacks, task planning, and tool requirements
• Job steps, durations, and constraints - Module 2: Estimating Resources and Budgeting (09:45 – 11:15)
• Labor, equipment, material, and cost estimation
• Cost coding and budget preparation - Module 3: Scheduling and Network Diagrams (11:30 – 01:00)
• Logic sequencing, critical path method (CPM), and Gantt charts
• Float, lags, and constraints - Module 4: Workshop – Build a Shutdown Schedule (02:00 – 03:30)
• Create a sample shutdown schedule with key milestones
Day 3: Execution Readiness and Contractor Management
- Module 1: Pre-Shutdown Readiness and Control (07:30 – 09:30)
• Checklists, staging, and material availability
• Permits, logistics, and safety reviews - Module 2: Contractor Selection and Supervision (09:45 – 11:15)
• Contracting models (lump sum, unit rate, T&M)
• KPIs and supervision practices - Module 3: Safety and Quality Assurance (11:30 – 01:00)
• Toolbox talks, risk assessments, and job safety analysis
• Inspection and quality control procedures - Module 4: Workshop – Contractor Management Scenario (02:00 – 03:30)
• Develop a contractor control plan for turnaround execution
Day 4: Shutdown Execution & Cost Control
- Module 1: Managing the Execution Phase (07:30 – 09:30)
• Daily tracking, coordination meetings, and issue resolution
• Managing deviations and urgent scope additions - Module 2: Cost and Progress Monitoring (09:45 – 11:15)
• Earned value, productivity tracking, and reporting
• Change orders and cost reconciliation - Module 3: Risk and Contingency Planning (11:30 – 01:00)
• Risk register, response strategies, and escalation paths - Module 4: Workshop – Develop an Execution Monitoring Dashboard (02:00 – 03:30)
• Create visual tools for tracking execution KPIs
Day 5: Shutdown Closeout & Continuous Improvement
- Module 1: Mechanical Completion and Handover (07:30 – 09:30)
• Final inspections, punch lists, and system turnover - Module 2: Post-Turnaround Review and Lessons Learned (09:45 – 11:15)
• KPIs, success criteria, and stakeholder debriefs
• Documenting improvement opportunities - Module 3: Turnaround Audit and Future Planning (11:30 – 01:00)
• Shutdown audits and readiness for future cycles - Module 4: Certification and Wrap-Up (02:00 – 03:30)
• Final Q&A, course review, and certificate distribution
Certification
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Managing Efficient Shutdowns & Turnarounds, validating their capabilities in planning, executing, and reviewing high-impact plant outages that enhance asset performance and reduce operational risk.