MOL has completed a €49.6 million reconstruction of the AV-3 crude distillation unit at its Danube refinery. The work is intended to prepare the installation for a staged restart during October. The unit is located at Szazhalombatta.
The AV-3 unit was heavily damaged by a fire last year, which reduced part of the refinery’s crude-processing capability. Before production resumes, MOL plans pressure testing, system flushing, and checks focused on safety and process-control systems. Auxiliary energy systems will then be connected prior to reintegration of AV-3 with the refinery.
Restart sequence and reintegration steps
MOL said the restart will be carried out progressively rather than immediately returning AV-3 to full capacity. This approach follows the completion of commissioning activities including pressure testing and system flushing. Checks on safety and process-control systems are part of the pre-production phase.
After auxiliary energy systems are connected, AV-3 will be reintegrated with the Danube refinery. The staged approach is linked to the timing of the October restart window. The company’s preparations are aimed at restoring operational readiness after the earlier fire damage.
Scope of reconstruction at AV-3
The reconstruction included rebuilding damaged reinforced-concrete structures. MOL also replaced or repaired machinery, electrical installations, and control equipment as part of the project scope. These works support the return of AV-3 to service following the incident.
During the project, MOL installed 27 new high-capacity pumps. It replaced around 8 km of pipelines and laid approximately 100 km of electrical cable. Full restoration of AV-3 is expected to return the Danube refinery closer to normal crude-processing capacity.
This restoration is also described as strengthening MOL’s ability to supply Hungary and neighbouring fuel markets.
