The JANAF oil pipeline in Croatia is set to undergo a comprehensive testing program beginning on 11 March, following an agreement between MOL Group and the Croatian pipeline operator. This initiative, expected to last approximately ten months, aims to assess the pipeline’s operational capacity and reliability over extended periods of use.
Structured in multiple phases, the testing campaign will investigate the pipeline’s ability to transport crude oil under various conditions, including seasonal variations and different crude oil blends. The evaluation will also focus on long-term continuous operations to establish sustainable transport levels.
Initial phases of testing will not push the pipeline to its maximum throughput of around 40,000 tons per day. Currently, the Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava is operating at full capacity, while the Danube refinery is functioning at a limited output. Full capacity utilization will only be necessary later in the process when the Danube refinery’s AV3 unit resumes full operation.
The scope of the testing program extends beyond just the pipeline itself. It will include an assessment of the entire crude oil logistics chain associated with the Adriatic route. Key areas of focus will be port infrastructure, tanker unloading efficiency, and the system’s capability for blending different types of crude oil.
An independent international supervisory team will oversee this extensive testing process. MOL plans to collaborate with specialists from the United States, while JANAF will engage experts from Germany to ensure rigorous monitoring and verification of testing procedures.
This initiative aims to generate objective data regarding the true capacity and operational reliability of the JANAF pipeline, which is considered crucial for enhancing energy supply security in the region. Recent estimates suggest that the pipeline could potentially transport between 11 and 15 million tons of crude oil annually; however, historical data indicates that only about 2.2 million tons have been transported through this route at its peak.
Results from this testing program are anticipated to be available by early 2027. The findings are expected to clarify ongoing discussions about the pipeline’s capabilities and identify any necessary improvements for optimizing operations along the Adriatic route.
Despite these developments, uncertainty looms over future transport arrangements as MOL Group currently lacks a signed oil transit agreement with JANAF for 2026. This delay in finalizing a new contract adds legal and operational complexities to an already intricate supply situation.
