- The reconstruction and capacity expansion of the pipeline cost USD 80 million.
- The project increased the pipeline's capacity from 3.5 to 6 million tons annually.
- The renovation covered a 128 km section, with 119 km in Hungary and 9 km in Slovakia.
- The project was completed in less than a year.
Project Overview
MOL Group and Transpetrol have completed the reconstruction and capacity expansion of the Friendship I/Adria oil pipeline between Százhalombatta, Hungary, and Ipolyság, Slovakia. This strategic investment aims to diversify energy supplies and enhance regional energy security for Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Investment and Timeline
The project, which began in March 2014, involved a total investment of USD 80 million. The renovation and capacity increase were completed in less than a year, addressing the wear and tear that had accumulated since the pipeline's original opening in 1962.
Technical Details
The reconstruction involved replacing 7,000 pipes, each 17 meters long, along a 128 km section of the pipeline—119 km in Hungary and 9 km in Slovakia. The new pipes have a larger diameter, which has increased the pipeline's transportation capacity from 3.5 million tons to 6 million tons annually. Additionally, sectioning stations were renovated to support the increased capacity.
Regional Impact
Besides the Friendship I/Adria pipeline, MOL Group also increased the capacity of the Hungarian section of the Adria oil pipeline, connecting the Adriatic Sea with Slovakia, from 10 million tons to 14 million tons annually. This investment is crucial for meeting the oil needs of the Bratislava Refinery and improving the security of supply for Hungary and Slovakia. The extended capacity also benefits the Czech Republic, allowing its refineries to receive crude oil from a new source.
