Energy
8 min read

Accommodation for Shutdowns and Turnarounds: Peak-Demand Playbook

Shutdowns and turnarounds create the single biggest short-term accommodation squeeze in Scotland. A single Grangemouth or Mossmorran window can pull 200+ crew into a 20-mile radius over six weeks, and every regional supplier knows the dates months in advance.

This guide is the practical playbook for booking accommodation into that squeeze.

Book against the calendar, not against demand

Shutdown dates are usually fixed 6–12 months out. Book against the calendar, not against demand — every week you wait is a week of price rise and a week of shrinking exclusive-use inventory.

Exclusive-use blocks for rotating crews

On a 2-week-on, 2-week-off rotation, block-book the property, not the person. The property stays yours through the whole campaign; the beds cycle. That's the only way to guarantee the same crew comes back to the same house.

Back-to-back cleans and linen

Pre-arrange changeover cleans and linen with the supplier before mobilisation. On a fast turnaround you don't want to be negotiating housekeeping on a Sunday afternoon between crews.

Contingency stock

Hold a small contingency — one extra bed per 15 booked — for scope creep, extended shifts and the inevitable extra specialist added in week two.

Key Takeaways

  • Book 6–12 months ahead against the published shutdown calendar.
  • Block the property, not the person, for rotations.
  • Pre-agree changeover cleans and linen in the contract.
  • Carry ~7% contingency stock for scope creep.

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