- Suncor has moved from the fourth quartile to the second quartile in turnaround execution performance when ranked against our peers, with sights now set on reaching the first quartile.
- Innovation, standardized OEMS processes and stronger planning are expected to reduce annual turnaround spend by $400 million compared to 2023.
- Momentum continued in the second quarter, with the Firebag turnaround completed ahead of schedule and under budget, extending the turnaround cycle by a year and completing key tie-ins to enable future growth.
Good planning drives great performance. This mantra is what has revolutionized Suncor's turnaround execution performance. Once placed in the fourth quartile, the company has jumped to second quartile performance in only two years.
One of the main drivers behind the shift is the application of our Operational Excellence Management System (OEMS). Renewed over the past two years, OEMS brings consistency and discipline to turnaround execution by standardizing several key processes, including:
- selecting work based on operational priority and business need;
- improving job planning, including locking in scope months in advance (allowing adequate time to secure resources such as equipment, materials and personnel); and
- conducting readiness reviews before work begins.
Another important change has been completing turnarounds faster and extending the time between turnarounds. Instead of following a routine schedule alone, teams are focusing on the highest-priority and highest-value work. This helps ensure resources are used where they matter most.
The impact of this improved planning is significant. Suncor expects these changes to reduce turnaround spending by approximately $400 million per year, compared with average annual turnaround spending in 2023.
While this progress is worth celebrating, the work is not finished. Suncor continues to push for even better results, with the goal of reaching the first quartile performance compared to our peers. One recent example of that progress was the Firebag turnaround completed earlier this year.
The turnaround was completed ahead of schedule and below budget, supported by several innovative approaches. The team used mineral oil for pre-cleaning, which enabled quicker access to work fronts, and deployed drones and rovers to inspect key areas before scaffolding was installed and work began.
In addition to delivering strong execution results, the 2026 Firebag turnaround created long-term value by enabling tie-ins for strategic growth projects and future debottlenecking initiatives. It also positioned the team to extend the plant turnaround cycle from four years to five.
The Firebag turnaround is only one example of how disciplined planning, innovation and execution are helping Suncor improve turnaround performance and deliver stronger business outcomes.
Advisories – Forward Looking Information and Non-GAAP Measures
This story contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Actual results may vary. Please see the Advisories section for more information: (https://www.suncor.com/en-ca/legal-and-privacy). This story contains references to free funds flow which is not prescribed by GAAP. Non-GAAP measures presented herein do not have any standardized meaning and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Please see the Advisories section for more information: (https://www.suncor.com/en-ca/legal-and-privacy).
