First quarter of 2015 witnessed industries in Qatar like Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Industries Qatar, Shell's Pearl GTL, Qatargas carrying out planned shutdown and maintenance. Whatever the reason, the prime concern that every plant operator and project engineers involved in turnaround processes has is to keep downtime to a minimum and to abide to the most stringent safety regulations.

A survey conducted by T.A. Cook, International Plant Shutdown and Turnaround management consultancy, reported that planning is one of the top trends in plant turnaround. The report highlights on the challenges faced in planning: increasingly complex turnaround projects, increased safety and quality standards, lower staffing levels and reduced management expertise. Returning for its fifth year, Plant Shutdown and Turnaround Forum set to take place in Doha, Qatar from 24 - 26 November 2015 will focus on latest technologies that can help plan and execute safe and cost efficient shutdowns and turnarounds.

The past edition witnessed an overwhelming response of over 200 attendees contributing to the success of the event. The event was held under the patronage of H.E Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy & Industry and Chairman of Qatar Petroleum and was officially supported by Qatar Petroleum.
This year's forum will bring together regional and international industry experts from a host of companies including Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Gas Operating Company, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Chevron, Shell Downstream, QAFCO among many others.

Key experts will share their knowledge and practical examples on topics such as preventing turnaround failures, fostering contractor relationship, behavioral safety lookout – pressure, courage and interventions, cutting maintenance cost through better planning & scheduling and showcasing the need for safety.

Other conference highlights will include two technical workshops titled Smart Shutdowns : Strive to improve your next turnaround and Turnaround Management to Shutdown Quality Evaluation conducted by Petrotechnics (Strategic Sponsor) and Andy Gager, International Plant Shutdown and Turnaround Expert, USA respectively. Case study on wrench time study findings for maintenance department of a Refining Company will be led by Ijaz Ul Karim Rao, Director Asset Integrity Management Services, Velosi Asset Integrity Limited (Associate Sponsor), UAE. Descon Engineering having an excellent track record of maintenance, retrofit, debottlenecking, annual plant shutdown, long term shutdown, execution and management is sponsoring day one lunch.

The forum will be a new opportunity for plant engineers, maintenance planners & schedulers, project managers to come together, network with their peer group and walk away with effective and practical solutions.