OMV Schwechat refinery in Austria completes major turnaround

In a significant development that underscores OMV’s commitment to operational excellence, the OMV Schwechat Refinery announced the successful completion of its routine Turnaround. This meticulous procedure encompassed a comprehensive inspection, maintenance, and modernization of the petrochemical unit and parts of the refining unit, ensuring continued safe and sustainable operations.

Since June 2023, the petrochemicals unit of the OMV Schwechat Refinery was subjected to a systematic overhaul, a legally mandated inspection that occurs every six years. This year’s Turnaround particularly impacted the segments involved in the production of intermediate products for plastics, including the ethylene and butadiene plant and the catalytic cracker. While the units dedicated to fuel production had undergone inspection in 2022, their production remained almost at full throttle during the recent procedure.

OMV completes turnaround in the OMV Schwechat refinery in Austria. Photo courtesy of OMV Aktiengesellschaft.

The scale of the Turnaround was massive, with participation from approximately 900 OMV Schwechat Refinery staff and an additional 4,000 personnel from 50 partner firms. Together, they logged around 1.2 million working hours. A snapshot of the work scope reveals meticulous checks on 18 process furnaces, 121 columns/reactors, and thousands of other key components. Remarkably, about 500,000 bolts in the petrochemicals unit underwent replacement, reinforcing OMV’s unwavering focus on safety.

Martijn van Koten, OMV Executive Vice President Fuels & Feedstock, lauded the collective effort, stating, “The successful Turnaround was possible due to the unwavering dedication of our teams and partners. As we lay the foundation for our upcoming facilities, we move a step closer to a greener, more sustainable refining industry and OMV’s broader transformation.”

Beyond mere maintenance, OMV leveraged the shutdown to steer the refinery toward a greener future. Initiatives included advancing projects like expanding the ReOil recycling plant, introducing an electrolysis unit for green hydrogen production, and implementing co-processing for biofuel production – which is nearing completion.

Throughout the Turnaround, OMV remained committed to ensuring minimal disruptions for local residents and upholding the highest safety protocols, reflecting its enduring commitment to community and operational integrity.