Rosneft inks agreement for new complex at Ryazan refinery

As part of the agreement, Maire Tecnimont’s anticipated scope of work will include design, supply of equipment and materials, construction, startup and commissioning, and project finance services for the proposed VGO hydrocracking complex, the implementation of which will enable RORC to increase conversion of heavy VGO volumes from the refinery’s vacuum distillation unit into Russian Class 5 (Euro 6-quality equivalent) gasoline, kerosine, and diesel fuels, Rosneft and the service provider said on Oct. 28.

To be equipped with energy-efficient, environmentally friendly equipment technologies and equipment that includes an automated control system to help reduce the plant’s carbon footprint, the planned VGO hydrocracking complex will feature hydrocracking units, hydrogen production units, elemental sulfur production units, as well as associated off-site installations, according to the parties.

Without disclosing further details regarding the proposed project, Rosneft and Maire Tecnimont said RORC’s VGO hydrocracking complex comes as part of Rosneft’s broader, ongoing modernization program to upgrade its company-wide refining system to boost production and supply of Class 5-quality fuels for the Russian domestic market.

Rosneft said, to date, it has invested more than 900 billion rubles—or about $13 billion—on modernization works to increase Class 5-quality fuel output of its refineries, which has involved both new construction or revamping of 23 major units across the system (OGJ Online, June 22, 2020; Mar. 19, 2018).

Refinery overview

Alongside its four primary distillation units, RORC’s refinery currently houses the following major installations:

• VGO hydrotreater.
• Hydrogen production unit.
• Sulfuric acid alkylation unit.
• Catalytic cracker.
• Tar visbreaker.
• Catalytic reforming unit.
• Aromatic reforming unit.
• Diesel fuel hydrotreater.
• Kerosine hydrotreater.
• Low-temperature isomerization unit.
• Gas fractionation unit.
• Bitumen production unit.
• Sulfuric acid production unit.

In 2020, RORC began directing investments on works to maintain existing capacities, as well as implementation and design of projects to improve operational efficiencies and modernize sitewide operations, according to the operator’s website.