HIP-Petrohemija Begins Major Plant Turnaround Focused on Reliability and Energy Efficiency

HIP-Petrohemija is beginning a major plant turnaround focused on strengthening operational reliability, improving energy efficiency and supporting the long-term performance of its production facilities.
Approximately €15 million will be invested in the turnaround, which will take place from September 21 through November 18. The program includes 28 projects, along with extensive maintenance, inspection and repair activities across critical equipment and production units.
The turnaround is designed to further strengthen the reliability of Petrohemija’s operations, which is particularly important given the technical and technological integration between HIP-Petrohemija and the Pančevo Oil Refinery.
A key focus will be work on two high-pressure steam boilers at the Ethylene Plant, alongside extensive activities on major equipment. At the Synthetic Rubber Plant in Elemir, the scope includes reconstruction of the steel structure, completion of finishing works, equipment cleaning and inspections, as well as activities required to meet applicable regulatory requirements.
Approximately 620 external contractors, in addition to HIP-Petrohemija employees, will be involved in the turnaround. Safety remains a fundamental priority throughout the program, with strict requirements for occupational health and safety, contractor safety and environmental protection.
Production will be temporarily suspended to enable the work to be carried out safely and efficiently. The shutdown will begin September 21 at the Pančevo Oil Refinery and September 30 at the Synthetic Rubber Plant in Elemir. Plant restart is scheduled for November 18.
During the shutdown and restart phases, residents may periodically notice flaring and increased noise levels. These are expected elements of the normal technological process associated with safely shutting down and restarting a petrochemical facility.
To maintain continuity of supply during the production downtime, sufficient inventories of petrochemical products have been secured in advance.
The turnaround represents a significant investment in the reliability and efficiency of HIP-Petrohemija’s operations and supports the company’s commitment to safe, stable and sustainable plant performance.