By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : March 11, 2026 10:05 am
The ambitious project introduced a new delayed coking unit designed to process heavy residue, eliminate fuel oil production, and boost refinery efficiency
KT‑Kinetics Technology, the Integrated E&C Solutions unit of MAIRE, celebrated the completion of the Rijeka Refinery Upgrade Project in Croatia, having delivered the full Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) scope.
The ambitious project introduced a new delayed coking unit designed to process heavy residue, eliminate fuel oil production, and boost refinery efficiency. In addition, it included revamps of existing process units and the utility network, along with cutting-edge solutions for coke handling and storage, as well as new sea jetty and shipping loading facilities.
Executed amid the global turbulence of the Covid‑19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions stemming from the Russian‑Ukrainian conflict, the project advanced through “a high level of flexibility, strong coordination and close cooperation among all stakeholders,” according to MAIRE.
The milestone showcases the team’s technical expertise, robust execution capabilities, and commitment to delivering complex projects under challenging conditions.
The completion ceremony drew top officials, including Ante Šušnjar, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Croatia; Zsuzsanna Ortutay, President of the Management Board of INA; Hrvoje Šimović, INA Management Board Member; József Molnár, CEO of MOL Group; Levente Magyar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary; Iva Palmieri, Italian Consul in Rijeka; and representatives from the MAIRE group.
Alessandro Bernini, CEO of MAIRE, said: “We are proud of this milestone, which marks an important step in strengthening Croatia’s energy infrastructure as well as enhancing the efficiency and environmental performance of the Rijeka Refinery. We are also thrilled we were able to contribute a significant value creation for the Country by involving numerous Croatian companies, thus supporting the development of local capabilities that will benefit both the domestic market and export activities.”