The construction and installation of the new Unit took two years and were completed in April 2009. The Unit produces hydrogen necessary for production of the low-sulfur fuels. Since 2009, the content of sulfur compounds in fuels sold in EU countries cannot exceed 10 ppm (10 mg/kg). In order to ensure the production of the environmentally friendly fuels, the Company also modernized two Diesel Hydrotreatment Units. The total value of the investment reaches 450 million litas.

During the ceremony, the country’s leader said: “I am particularly happy that you are addressing the issues, to which I dedicated a quarter of my life. These are the issues of clean environment, clean air, and clean products. This unit will serve not only for enhancement of the product quality but also for improvement of the environment.”

After the ceremony, the President visited the modern installation. During the sight-visit around the Refinery, Marek Mroczkowski, General Director of AB Mažeikių Nafta, noted that the Company invested approximately 1.5 billion litas (600 million US dollars) in 2007-2008. The Company’s CEO named the largest turnaround in Mažeikių Nafta’s history, rebuild of the Vacuum Distillation Unit, and the most recent projects as the most significant accomplishments.

President Valdas Adamkus pointed out that the crisis should not stop the life, and modernization of a company is a very good example of moving forward despite any current adversities. Lithuania’s competitiveness, its capabilities in the joint market of the European Union is a response to all those who tend to complain, but not take actions. “Keep going further,” – said the President noting that AB Mažeikių Nafta plays a significant role in the country’s economy.

During his visit, the country’s leader met with the Company’s management and employees. During the meeting, the President said that his last visit to Mažeikių Nafta was more than 10 years ago, when he was not the president. “I think that Mažeikių Nafta’s presence in Lithuania is one of the best examples that we are truly a part of single Europe, and, what is most important, this company, which is here in Mažeikiai, proves that the strategic partnership exists not only as declarations,” – His Excellency Valdas Adamkus said.

During the visit of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Mažeikių Nafta received the Quality Management Certificate ISO 9001, evidencing that the Company’s management complies with the requirements of the international standard.