Neste, a global leader in renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, has announced an agreement to divest its proprietary NAPCON technology business to Lummus Technology. The move is designed to strengthen the long-term competitiveness and global reach of the NAPCON product suite, which delivers cutting-edge digital solutions to industrial sectors.

NAPCON includes a portfolio of advanced digital tools used across various industrial processes. These solutions include interactive operator training simulators, game-based learning systems, real-time process optimization technologies, AI-based predictive systems, and platforms for gathering, monitoring, and analyzing real-time operational data. The products have been developed to enhance safety, improve profitability, and ensure the competitiveness of production facilities across multiple industries.

Markku Korvenranta, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Neste, expressed optimism about the agreement. “I am thrilled by this announcement. Lummus has the capability to keep NAPCON technology competitive as well as secure maintenance and development of the existing installations for Neste and NAPCON’s client base,” Korvenranta said. “Lummus is a global technology licensor in hydrocarbon processing and is in the position of creating value with NAPCON by offering these solutions to its international customer pool. We believe Lummus is the right partner to scale up NAPCON technology and ensure its competitiveness in the long term.”

Leon de Bruyn, president and CEO of Lummus Technology, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition. “I am grateful for the long-term partnership with Neste, renowned for their industry vision. The acquisition of NAPCON’s digital solutions and continuing our partnership with Neste are transformative steps for Lummus,” he said. “This aligns with our strategic vision of combining cutting-edge, AI-driven solutions with process technology to enhance the performance of our customers’ operations.”

NAPCON’s solutions are currently installed across Neste’s production sites, where they support operational decision-making, enhance operator skills, and optimize refinery processes. As part of the transaction, Neste and Lummus have signed a long-term service agreement to ensure continued support, development, and maintenance of NAPCON systems at Neste facilities.

In addition, key NAPCON personnel will transfer to Lummus Technology as part of the agreement, preserving essential expertise and enabling seamless continuity. The acquisition also involves collaboration with Ferroman, a provider of digital and engineering services for the steel and process industries. Ferroman operates across the Nordics, Middle East and the Americas and specializes in automation, AI optimization and green transition technologies.

Lummus Digital, a joint venture between Lummus Technology and TCG Digital, will lead the delivery of NAPCON’s digital services. By integrating process engineering with data science, Lummus Digital aims to expand the digital transformation of industrial operations.

The divestment is expected to be completed by the end of May 2025.