2nd Annual Plant Shutdown and Turnaround Management Conference receives overwhelming response

This event is hosting a series of interactive workshop sessions carried out by globally renowned industrial shutdown and turnaround professionals to discuss prevailing impediments and devise creative solutions to render the turnarounds effective.

Featuring workshop leaders from JMC Consulting, Qatargas Operating Company Ltd, ADCO, Integrated Global Services, Ras Girtas Power Company, VOITH Industrial Services, Petrozeit and Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Company among others, the event aims to help companies devise effective turnaround plans.

The first workshop was conducted by Dr. Zulkipli Bin Ghazali, Senior Lecturer - Center for Organizational and Cultural Studies of Oil and Gas Business, Universiti Teknologi, PETRONAS on 'Plant turnaround philosophy'.

Zulkipli started off by stating, "Technologies in the process plants have to be managed to ensure reliable and efficient operations to generate sustainable return to the investors. The management challenge was made more complex in the light of competitive global market. Reliable and efficient operations of these technologies, entail systematic maintenance management. This includes first-line maintenance, second-line maintenance and third-line maintenance that comprised of major shutdown plant overhaul (or plant turnaround) which include capital projects and modifications."

He further mentioned that, "Turnaround philosophy provides the underpinning thoughts meant to guide the process of implementation of the turnaround maintenance. It reflects the commitment of the company to ensuring reliable and efficient operations."

Muhammad Asif, Planning Engineer of Maintenance at Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Company, conducted the second workshop focusing on the role of knowledge management in executing a successful turnaround. This was followed by an intriguing panel discussion which focused on various aspects of building efficient TAR teams. Post lunch session featured workshops conducted by Mohamed Daoud, Manager (Projects Quality), Engineering & Major Projects at ADCO, V. G. Vachhani, Vice President, Maintenance - PT South Pacific Viscose Indonesia and Venkata R. Prasad, Head Planning & Scheduling of Operations Engineering at Qatar Petroleum.

Day two will commence with workshop on work package development conducted byJohn McLay, President at JMC Consulting. When McLay was asked about his participation at the event he responded, "This event presents an excellent platform for all turnaround team members to experience and participate in the knowledge of both local and international renowned speakers. The information you receive will provide ample opportunities for cost and schedule savings upon returning to your respective plant facilities."

McLay will also conduct a workshop on day three on the 11 steps of the critical operations STO support system, along with Ayman Kadah, Shutdown Lead at Qatargas Operating Company Ltd, on shutdown PTW preparations and review.