A significant testing initiative for Croatia’s JANAF oil pipeline is set to commence on March 11, following a collaboration between MOL Group and the Croatian pipeline operator. This program aims to comprehensively assess the operational capacity of the pipeline over a projected duration of ten months, providing insights into its efficiency during extended operations.
The testing will be conducted in multiple phases, focusing on the pipeline’s ability to transport crude oil under various conditions, including seasonal fluctuations and different crude oil blends. Additionally, experts will evaluate the performance of the system during long-term continuous operations to establish sustainable transport levels.
Initial phases of the testing will not utilize the pipeline at its full throughput capacity. Currently, the Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava is operating at full capacity, while the Danube refinery is functioning with limited output. Consequently, the pipeline’s maximum daily capacity of approximately 40,000 tons will only be necessary later in the testing process when the AV3 unit of the Danube refinery resumes full operations.
The scope of this testing program extends beyond just the pipeline itself. The initiative includes a thorough evaluation of the entire crude oil logistics chain associated with the Adriatic route. This encompasses assessments of port infrastructure, efficiency in tanker unloading processes, and capabilities for blending different types of crude oil.
An independent international supervisory team will oversee the testing procedures. MOL intends to engage specialists from the United States, while JANAF will collaborate with experts from Germany to ensure rigorous monitoring and validation of the testing processes.
MOL has stated that this initiative aims to yield objective data regarding the pipeline’s actual capacity and operational reliability. Such information is crucial for enhancing energy supply security within the region. Public estimates have suggested that the pipeline could potentially transport between 11 and 15 million tons of crude oil annually; however, historically, it has only managed to transport approximately 2.2 million tons at its peak.
Results from this comprehensive testing program are anticipated to be evaluated in early 2027. The findings are expected to contribute significantly to resolving ongoing debates about the pipeline’s capabilities and identifying necessary enhancements for optimizing operations along the Adriatic route.
Amid these developments, uncertainties persist regarding future transport agreements. Currently, MOL Group lacks a signed oil transit agreement with JANAF for 2026, and delays in finalizing a new contract introduce additional legal and operational uncertainties into the prevailing supply landscape.
