Refinery shutdowns and turnarounds are pivotal moments in the lifecycle of oil and gas facilities—offering an opportunity to restore, upgrade, and ensure the continued safety and reliability of critical infrastructure. Yet, these operations are also among the most complex, expensive, and high-risk activities in the industry. Poorly planned shutdowns often result in extended downtime, missed production targets, safety hazards, and significant financial losses. To address these challenges, Pideya Learning Academy introduces its advanced course Shutdown and Turnaround Practices for Refineries, specifically designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed for successful planning and execution.
Industry data underscores the importance of structured shutdown management. McKinsey & Company reports that the average refinery experiences a full turnaround every 4 to 5 years, with partial shutdowns occurring more frequently—every 2 to 3 years. Improperly managed turnarounds can lead to cost overruns of 15% to 20% and production delays that result in losses amounting to millions of dollars. However, when executed effectively, shutdowns can enhance asset performance, increase operational safety, and extend equipment life while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
This course offers a structured methodology for managing the entire shutdown lifecycle—from initial scoping and resource planning to post-turnaround evaluation and continuous improvement. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how to align shutdown objectives with organizational goals, balance technical priorities with budgetary constraints, and foster collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.
Throughout the training, learners are introduced to current best practices and digital tools that enable more accurate forecasting, real-time tracking, and proactive risk mitigation. The course blends technical frameworks with organizational insights to empower participants to reduce uncertainty, enhance safety, and meet performance targets more consistently.
Key highlights of the training include:
Comprehensive lifecycle approach covering all phases of refinery shutdown and turnaround operations
Proven budgeting techniques and strategies for cost containment in capital-intensive shutdowns
Advanced scheduling methods, including milestone tracking and contractor integration models
Application of risk management tools for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating operational hazards
Integration of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and turnaround planning software for data-driven decision-making
Regulatory alignment through proper documentation and compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards
Strategies to foster cross-functional collaboration between operations, maintenance, procurement, and HSE teams
Through this Pideya Learning Academy program, participants will learn to manage refinery shutdowns and turnarounds with greater clarity, precision, and agility. The course is structured to offer both strategic perspective and technical depth, supporting professionals in delivering shutdowns that are on time, on budget, and aligned with business outcomes.
By the end of the course, participants will be better positioned to anticipate and navigate the challenges inherent to shutdowns, reduce downtime, and enhance plant performance. Whether you are a plant manager, maintenance planner, or project engineer, this training delivers actionable insights and frameworks that will elevate your shutdown execution capabilities and strengthen organizational resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Comprehensive lifecycle approach covering all phases of refinery shutdown and turnaround operations
• Proven budgeting techniques and strategies for cost containment in capital-intensive shutdowns
• Advanced scheduling methods, including milestone tracking and contractor integration models
• Application of risk management tools for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating operational hazards
• Integration of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and turnaround planning software for data-driven decision-making
• Regulatory alignment through proper documentation and compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards
• Strategies to foster cross-functional collaboration between operations, maintenance, procurement, and HSE teams

• Comprehensive lifecycle approach covering all phases of refinery shutdown and turnaround operations
• Proven budgeting techniques and strategies for cost containment in capital-intensive shutdowns
• Advanced scheduling methods, including milestone tracking and contractor integration models
• Application of risk management tools for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating operational hazards
• Integration of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and turnaround planning software for data-driven decision-making
• Regulatory alignment through proper documentation and compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards
• Strategies to foster cross-functional collaboration between operations, maintenance, procurement, and HSE teams