Two and a half years spent on absolutely amazing work! Together with Marika, we had the honor of participating in the Neste 2024 major turnaround by being responsible for the access permit process and contractor management, as well as managing the activities of the major turnaround access permit office. The Porvoo refinery turned into one of Finland’s largest construction site during the turnaround in 2024, and the number of companies and people tells it all; about 7,600 people from several countries participated in the turnaround work.
Our work was scheduled for the years 2022-2024 and we worked closely during these years as part of Neste’s project organisation. The project organisation consisted of professionals from many fields, and we saw it as a wonderful opportunity to learn new things from our colleagues. And yes, we did learn a lot!
An efficient and smooth access permit process is extremely important when a large number of people have to get access to a work site in a short time. Neste’s contract partners completed Checkfin’s Responsibilities and obligations in the construction industry in Finland online training as part of preparation for the major turnaround. With the help of the online training, it was verified that the companies have understood the responsibilities and obligations according to which they have to operate in Finland.
The fulfillment of the statutory requirements as well as Neste’s own requirements were ensured for all companies and all employees, and the granting of the access permits took place on schedule as a result of well-done advance work and planning.
Thank you Neste for making the project possible and thank you to all the people who participated in the project.
In the picture, we have just completed a site visit at the Porvoo refinery with the contractor management team at the end of the turnaround. The sun was shining and the feeling of success made us happy ☀️😊
P.S. Here are some more things to consider for the access permit process and contractor management in projects:
- Map the current operating models and implement possible improvements.
- Find out which legislation should be applied and possible changes to the legislation.
- Remember regular cooperation with the supervising authorities throughout the project.
- Take into account what kind of requirements the project owner or principal contractor has regarding the companies participating in the project and their personnel.
- Plan how the companies participating in the project and their personnel will be supported throughout the process.
- Make a plan on how to familiarise the internal project team with the access permit process and contractor management system.
- Find out the number of companies participating in the project and their personnel, as well as the arrival schedule before work starts, taking into consideration the entire supplier chain.
