Croatia’s gas transmission infrastructure has undergone a significant enhancement with the successful integration of the Zabok–Lučko and Kozarac–Sisak pipelines. This development was achieved following a meticulously coordinated four-day shutdown, during which all operations were completed within a planned 96-hour interruption window.
The connection of the Zabok–Lučko pipeline at the Lučko gas hub and the Kozarac–Sisak line to the existing Zagreb East–Kutina pipeline near the Kozarac node marks a strategic expansion of the national grid. The operation was managed by Plinacro, the national system operator, with construction efforts led by Monter and other contractors.
Throughout the shutdown period, comprehensive safety and environmental protocols were adhered to. Natural gas was evacuated from the system in compliance with stringent methane emission regulations, followed by filling the infrastructure with nitrogen to maintain safe working conditions. After completing the connections, natural gas gradually replaced nitrogen, restoring pressure to standard operating levels.
The simultaneous execution of work at two distinct locations necessitated intricate coordination to prevent further service interruptions. During this maintenance phase, gas inflows from the LNG terminal on Krk were temporarily suspended, compelling reliance on domestic production from the northern Adriatic for the southern network. Approximately 90 kilometers of pipeline were isolated during this process.
Despite the challenges posed by this large-scale operation, it was concluded without any unexpected disruptions. This project represents a crucial advancement in bolstering the resilience and flexibility of Croatia’s gas transmission capabilities, positioning it strategically within the regional energy landscape.
