Rijeka, 11 May 2023 – The Rijeka Refinery is starting fuel production at full capacity after the start-up and stabilisation of process units began in late April. The work activities carried out during the shutdown enabled INA to effectively continue the implementation of the Rijeka Refinery Upgrade Project, currently the largest and most valuable industrial project in Croatia, in which INA is investing more than €630 million.
Due to the work activities on the existing units, as part of the Rijeka Refinery Upgrade Project, refining had been suspended since November 2022. This was a planned shutdown when upgrade and capacity increase of SRU – Sulphur Recovery Unit and HCU – Hydrocracking Unit were carried out to match the new heavy residue processing unit.
A new Stripper Product column, 38 meters tall and weighing over 110 tons, was also installed in the Hydrocracking unit. Extensive preparation and organization were required because the column had to be placed within the existing unit. Lifting and installation were carried out using two cranes, with the main one having an impressive load capacity of 600 tons. More than 180 connections were also made from the new unit to the existing units, ensuring future integration without any shutdowns. After the work was completed, and all refinery systems were tested, the refinery began the process of starting its process units, and it is currently operating at full capacity.
The President of the INA Management Board, Péter Ratatics, and Davor Filipović, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, accompanied by the INA management and representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development visited the Rijeka Refinery on this occasion. “This INA’s investment worth more than €630 million in the modernization of the Rijeka Refinery, in a heavy residue processing unit, ensures the future of the refinery business in Croatia. This is not only a question of business and the processing of oil derivatives, but also an important element of Croatia’s energy security, which together with other policies we implement, makes Croatia more resistant to possible external shocks and changes in the environment” said Davor Filipović, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development. President of the Management Board of INA, Péter Ratatics, emphasized: “With the implementation of this part of the project, we have come one step closer to completing the new heavy residue processing unit, which we expect to be ready in mid-2024. This is one of our key projects for several reasons. It will allow us the long-term sustainability of the refinery business, it will eliminate our dependence on products under sanctions, reduce the need to import diesel, and all of this together will contribute to greater security of supply to the INA’s captive markets.”
All further works on the project will be carried out simultaneously while the refinery is in operation. The next shutdown of the refinery is expected in early 2024 when a regular turnaround is planned. During this nearly three-month downtime, the usual maintenance works will be carried out, as well as energy efficiency projects and replacement of catalysts. Works on the new heavy residue processing unit will continue in the upcoming period. “By the end of the year, we will complete the construction of the coke pit, the construction of the future coke crane track, and continue with mechanical works (pipelines and equipment), as well as electro-instrumentation works. The construction of the new port and silo will be completed, and several other works on the new infrastructure will be carried out,” said Vedrana Janjić, Director of the Rijeka Refinery Upgrade Project.
The project is currently at 76% completion, while construction is at 60% realization.
O INA Grupi
INA Group is the leading oil company in Croatia and a major regional player in oil and gas exploration and production, oil processing, and distribution of oil and oil derivatives. INA Group consists of several affiliates, entirely or partially owned by INA, d. d. The Group is based in Zagreb, Croatia. Apart from Croatia, INA also conducts its oil and gas exploration and production activities in Angola and Egypt. Oil is processed at INA’s refinery in Rijeka, while sustainable alternatives are being developed at an industrial location in Sisak. INA’s regional retail network consists of more than 500 retail locations in Croatia and neighbouring countries. INA Group is a member of MOL Group.
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