INA starts up Delayed Coker Unit at Rijeka refinery
- Feedstock was introduced to the DCU on 1 September 2026, starting production at Rijeka.
- The unit has been operating continuously at about 70% of design capacity and producing key products to required quality.
- The DCU converts heavy residues to higher‑value products, increasing diesel yield from the same crude by up to 30% and removing the need to import VGO.
- The Rijeka Refinery Upgrade Project including the DCU cost nearly EUR 700 million; INA and MOL Group have invested EUR 1.3 billion in refinery and logistics modernisation over the past 12 years.
Start‑up and initial performance
The Delayed Coker Unit reached mechanical completion and commissioning and was handed over to INA for operations; feedstock was first introduced on 1 September 2026. Since start‑up the unit has run continuously and reached roughly 70% of its design capacity, producing all key products to the required quality.
Processing benefits and supply impact
The DCU lets the refinery process heavy residues into higher‑value streams, enabling the same amount of crude to yield up to 30% more diesel. It also permits processing of heavier crude grades, broadening potential suppliers and eliminating the need to import vacuum gas oil, which strengthens crude sourcing flexibility and regional supply security.
Investment, statements and next steps
The Rijeka Refinery Upgrade Project, which includes the DCU, represents an investment of nearly EUR 700 million; INA and MOL Group report EUR 1.3 billion invested in modernisation over the past 12 years. Company leaders said the unit will improve refinery sustainability, profitability and energy security. The current focus is on safe, reliable, and stable operation, with throughput increases and optimisation planned; stable operation is expected by year‑end, followed by final performance testing and project closure.
Source: MOL Group