Czech oil refiner Unipetrol, owned by Poland's Orlen, is set to undertake maintenance activities at its Litvinov oil refinery, which has a capacity of 109,000 barrels per day (bpd). The maintenance is scheduled to take place from April 4 to May 15, marking a period of temporary shutdown for necessary upkeep. Unipetrol also operates the Kralupy refinery, with a capacity of 68,000 bpd, both located in the Czech Republic.

While a broader general maintenance turnaround at the company's petrochemical site has been deferred to 2025, specific units at the site will undergo maintenance between March and May of the current year. This strategic approach allows Unipetrol to optimize the efficiency and reliability of its operations.

Litvinov joins the ranks of European oil refineries planning maintenance for early 2024. Shell, for instance, is engaged in maintenance activities at Europe's largest refinery, the Pernis plant in Rotterdam, boasting a capacity of over 400,000 bpd. Shell's maintenance period extends from the end of January to April, reflecting the industry-wide practice of scheduling maintenance during specific windows to minimize disruptions.

ExxonMobil has also initiated maintenance procedures, with the shutdown of units at its 140,000 bpd Fos-sur-Mer refinery in France commencing on January 20 as part of a comprehensive shutdown effort. Additionally, the company's 191,000 bpd Rotterdam refinery is slated for a complete maintenance turnaround from the middle of February, emphasizing the significance of strategic maintenance planning in the refining sector.

Refinery maintenance in Europe typically occurs during springtime and autumn, aligning with seasonal trends and industry best practices. These scheduled shutdowns allow refineries to conduct essential maintenance and upgrades, ensuring the reliability and safety of operations.

Unipetrol's expansion into the realm of mechanical recycling represents a notable strategic move. The acquisition of REMAQ, a prominent player in Central and Eastern Europe specializing in plastic recyclates—especially polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene—positions ORLEN Unipetrol Group to play a more prominent role in sustainable practices within the industry. REMAQ, established in 2004 as an Italian-Czech company, has a focus on the production and trading of plastic recyclates.

Unipetrol's planned maintenance activities at the Litvinov oil refinery, along with the strategic acquisition of REMAQ, underscore the company's commitment to operational excellence and sustainability. These initiatives align with broader industry practices and reflect a proactive approach to maintaining and enhancing refining capabilities in the dynamic energy landscape. As the maintenance period unfolds, Unipetrol is positioned to optimize its operations, contributing to the overall resilience and efficiency of the company.