Wärtsilä MethanolPac is a complete fuel supply system for methanol-fuelled ships. It supports the safe storage, transfer, conditioning and supply of methanol fuel for marine propulsion and power generation applications.
MethanolPac includes low-pressure fuel handling equipment, high-pressure fuel supply equipment, process systems, and dedicated control and monitoring systems. It can be delivered as a standalone fuel supply system or as part of a complete Wärtsilä propulsion solution.
What it is:
Why it matters:
How it works:
Where it applies:
Methanol is one of the alternative fuels being considered as the maritime industry works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local emissions. Current environmental regulations are setting ambitious targets, including the IMO goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and FuelEU Maritime targets.
For ship owners and operators, the decision to use methanol is not only a fuel decision. It also affects vessel design, onboard safety systems, automation, tank arrangements, bunkering, crew procedures and integration with the selected engine or consumers.
Though methanol fuel supply systems share some similarities with traditional diesel fuel supply systems, they are more complex, and there are safety implications that should not be underestimated.
This is why the fuel supply system needs to be considered early. Accurate system specification depends on vessel-specific inputs such as classification society, bunkering station arrangements, tank quantities and locations, fuel preparation room details, engine type and estimated pipe distances.
Wärtsilä MethanolPac gives you a structured way to handle methanol fuel onboard, from bunkering and storage to transfer, conditioning and supply to the methanol consumers. Safe and reliable methanol handling is at the core of the solution and the system can be configured according to vessel requirements.
For projects using Wärtsilä methanol engines, MethanolPac can be delivered for propulsion and power generation either as a standalone fuel supply system or as part of a complete Wärtsilä propulsion solution. For other methanol consumers, including other 4-stroke and 2-stroke applications, the solution can be studied or evaluated on a project-specific basis.
MethanolPac manages the complete onboard fuel supply process, from bunkering and storage to the delivery of methanol to the engines or other fuel consumers. The system safely stores methanol, transfers it between tanks, conditions the fuel as required, and delivers it to the engines or other methanol consumers at the required pressure and operating conditions.
The solution combines fuel handling and process equipment, automation, monitoring and safety functions into one integrated fuel supply system. Depending on the vessel and project requirements, MethanolPac can be delivered as a standalone fuel supply solution or as part of a complete Wärtsilä propulsion solution.
The system is based on a modular architecture. Standardised components are combined with project-specific elements to match the vessel arrangement, fuel storage concept, engine configuration and operational requirements. Dedicated control, monitoring and safety functions are integrated into the solution to support safe and reliable methanol handling throughout the fuel supply process.
The system is designed for automated operation and can interface with the vessel's fuel storage and handling arrangements. This helps simplify the day-to-day fuel management onboard.
For complete Wärtsilä system deliveries, the automation of the different modules can be integrated into the automation systems.
MethanolPac is intended for vessel projects where methanol will be used as a fuel for propulsion, power generation, or both. The system can support the onboard handling, transfer and supply of methanol fuel as part of the vessel's fuel infrastructure.
Suitable applications include:
MethanolPac can be delivered either as a standalone methanol fuel supply system or as part of a complete Wärtsilä propulsion solution. Whether you are planning a methanol-fuelled newbuild or a vessel conversion, the solution can be tailored to your project requirements. Its modular design is flexible and makes it possible to implement a system that is adapted to different vessel designs, engine configurations and operational needs.
The solution combines the equipment, process systems, automation and safety functions needed to handle methanol onboard. Depending on the project scope, deliveries can include both standardised and project-specific elements that are designed to work together as an integrated fuel supply system.
When MethanolPac is delivered together with Wärtsilä methanol engines, the interfaces and communications are optimised for seamless integration. This reduces the number of separate system interfaces and helps simplify the overall solution.
If you are evaluating methanol fuel supply for a real vessel project, it helps to see where the technology is already being applied and how Wärtsilä is supporting methanol-fuelled vessel development.
If you are considering a switch to lower-carbon fuel, methanol is one of the options worth exploring. Green methanol has the potential to be carbon neutral and can help address current and future emissions targets. Learn more about the opportunities, practical considerations and key factors involved in adopting methanol as a marine fuel.
A technically sound fuel solution also needs a developing ecosystem around it. Explore the announcements related to methanol-powered vessels, fuel supply systems and maritime decarbonisation projects involving Wärtsilä.
Methanol fuel supply is only one part of a successful methanol strategy. Explore related guidance, technologies and services that can help you evaluate fuel choices, vessel conversions and long-term decarbonisation options.
Adopting methanol as marine fuel: Learn about the opportunities, challenges and practical considerations of using methanol as a marine fuel, including emissions, fuel availability and long-term decarbonisation potential.
Marine methanol conversion: Considering converting an existing vessel to run on methanol? Explore Wärtsilä's methanol conversion solutions and the key considerations involved in retrofit projects.
Methanol as marine fuel – is it the solution you are looking for: Get answers to common questions about methanol as a marine fuel, including safety, emissions, infrastructure and operational considerations.
Choosing methanol as fuel for a vessel affects more than the engine. It also affects fuel storage, bunkering, safety systems, automation, integration and the practical layout of your vessel. Wärtsilä can help you understand what kind of methanol fuel supply system your project needs and how MethanolPac could fit into your newbuild or retrofit plans.
The contents of this page have been written with the help of AI. A Wärtsilä expert has checked and verified these contents.
