Rompetrol Rafinare moves from maintenance work to staged restart at Petromidia and Vega refineries

With refinery downtime now shifting from engineering execution to production recovery, Rompetrol Rafinare has completed the mechanical stage of its planned maintenance program at Petromidia Năvodari and Vega Ploiești. The company said the next step will be a phased return of units to service, aimed at bringing both plants back toward normal operating levels after a complex turnaround process.

Restart begins in stages

The operator indicated that production units will be brought online gradually over the coming days. This staged restart is intended to occur under strict safety and operational control procedures, reflecting how turnaround completion typically transitions into verification and ramp-up rather than an immediate return to full throughput.

700+ tasks and major equipment checks completed

The maintenance campaign covered a broad set of technical activities across both sites. In total, more than 700 individual tasks were reported as completed. Among them was the replacement of catalysts in six major process units—work that can be central to restoring or optimizing conversion performance following extended run periods.

Rompetrol Rafinare also described extensive inspection activity, including assessments of around 900 pieces of equipment spanning static, rotating, and electrical systems. In addition, nearly 1,200 pipelines underwent testing and verification as part of readiness for recommissioning.

Certifications renewed alongside final turnaround steps

Alongside the physical maintenance work, the company said it renewed and extended key operating certifications issued by Romanian authorities. Those include approvals issued by ISCIR and CNCIR. With the turnaround now in its final phase, both refineries are expected to gradually resume supplying petroleum products to the market.

The company framed this resumption as particularly important for both producers and consumers in the current environment—an emphasis that underscores how refinery availability can affect supply continuity downstream.

Maintenance cadence tied to reliability and compliance

The shutdown was carried out under Rompetrol Rafinare’s regular schedule. According to the company, its plan includes major turnarounds every four years and intermediate stoppages every two years. It said these planned interventions are necessary for ensuring safe operations, maintaining technological reliability, and complying with environmental standards.

Rompetrol Rafinare has not only closed out the mechanical scope but also moved into the operational phase where controls and staged commissioning become decisive for a smooth return to service.