INA Advances to Hot Commissioning Phase at Rijeka Refinery
- The Rijeka Refinery Upgrade Project is valued at nearly EUR 700 million.
- Hot commissioning is expected to last several weeks, with trial operation starting in March.
- The project includes a delayed coker unit, modernization of facilities, and a new transformer station.
- INA aims to increase diesel production by up to 30% and reduce import needs.
Project Overview
The Rijeka Refinery Upgrade Project, valued at nearly EUR 700 million, is the largest investment in INA's history and a significant industrial project in Croatia. It includes the construction of a delayed coker unit, modernization of existing facilities, a new port, silos, a closed coke transport system, and the country's largest transformer station.
Hot Commissioning Phase
Following the completion of construction and cold commissioning, the project has entered the hot commissioning phase. This involves testing the facility with process fluids to verify equipment functionality under real operating conditions. The phase is expected to last several weeks, with trial operation commencing in March.
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion, the Rijeka Refinery will significantly increase diesel production by up to 30% and reduce the need for imports, especially during peak tourist seasons. The project aims to enhance energy efficiency, improve crude utilization, and increase the share of high-value products.
Long-term Investment
The upgrade is part of a long-term investment cycle by INA and MOL Group, with over EUR 1 billion invested in refining and logistics infrastructure modernization over the past decade.
Source: MOL Group