Gordon McKay is thrilled to announce the successful and safe completion of Instrument and Electrical SoW of the Viva Energy 2025 RCCU Turnaround.
Our dedicated team of Supervision, Dual Trades, Electricians, Instrument Fitters an Apprentices have completed the Reactor & Regen component of the event.
Gordon McKay’s scope took approximately 11,000-man hours across a 9-week duration.
The event brought together hundreds of workers — contractors and internal teams — who execute hundreds or perhaps thousands of individual maintenance tasks across units like distillation columns, heat exchangers, piping systems, and control equipment. Such shutdowns are meticulously planned years in advance to minimise downtime, control cost overruns, and prioritise safety.
With all projects & turnarounds, it brings many challenges, which is a testament to the Gordon McKay team’s hard work and dedication. Gordon McKay was able to complete the shutdown safely and within the timeframes allocated.
Some of the key success factors for the turnaround to achieve the objective in term of safety, production and cost were.
Planning and Preparation
- Thorough Planning: Develop a detailed turnaround plan, including timelines, resources, and budgets.
- Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate potential risks, including occupational safety, process safety, environmental impact, and operational risks.
- Communication: Ensure effective communication among stakeholders, including employees, contractors, and management.
Execution
- Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Define clear roles and responsibilities for each team member.
- Effective Resource Allocation: Allocate resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to ensure efficient execution.
- Monitoring and Control: Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed to stay on track.
Safety and Quality
- Safety First: Prioritize safety above all else, ensuring a safe working environment for all personnel.
- Quality Control: Ensure that all work meets safety management system, including inspections and testing.
Restart and Review
- Smooth Restart: Ensure a smooth restart of the plant, including thorough testing, validation and strictly follow procedure.
- Post-Shutdown Review: Conduct a post-shutdown review (Post Morten) to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement.
This was a monumental undertaking, and we’re incredibly proud of the entire team for their dedication and precision.
We would like to say thank you to all involved.
