Growing Orders for Alternative-Fueled Vessels in 2025: Shifting Trends in the Shipping Industry
Key Ideas
  • Orders for alternative-fueled vessels surged in the first half of 2025, reaching 19.8 million gross tonnes, a 78% increase from 2024, signaling a strong shift towards sustainable shipping solutions.
  • LNG emerged as the preferred fuel choice, with 87 new vessels totaling 14.2 million GT ordered. Methanol also gained traction with 4.6 million GT ordered across various vessel segments.
  • Ammonia and hydrogen, though less common, are gaining attention with orders for three ammonia-fueled vessels and a return of hydrogen-powered vessels, showcasing growing confidence in their long-term viability.
  • The development of supporting infrastructure is keeping pace with vessel orders, seen in the ordering of 13 LNG bunkering vessels in 2025, indicating a holistic approach to advancing alternative fuel adoption in the maritime sector.
In 2025, the shipping industry is witnessing a notable increase in orders for alternative-fueled vessels, despite a general slowdown in newbuild activity. Data from DNV's Alternative Fuels Insight platform reveals a significant growth, with new orders reaching 19.8 million gross tonnes in the first half of the year, representing a substantial 78% rise compared to 2024. This surge in orders reflects a strategic shift in capital allocation among shipowners who are increasingly focusing on future-ready assets to align with regulatory requirements, ensure fuel availability, and meet long-term decarbonization targets. LNG has emerged as the dominant fuel choice, with 87 new vessels totaling 14.2 million GT ordered so far in 2025. Particularly prominent in the container segment, LNG has shown strong adoption with vessels amounting to 13.6 million GT. Additionally, Methanol has gained momentum, with 4.6 million GT ordered across various segments including containers, RoPax, tankers, offshore, and car carriers. While still at a nascent stage, ammonia and hydrogen are also attracting interest, as indicated by the order of three ammonia-fueled vessels and a resurgence of hydrogen-powered vessels totaling 114,000 GT. These trends underscore a growing confidence in the potential of these alternative fuels for the long term. Furthermore, the development of supporting infrastructure is progressing in parallel with vessel investments. The first half of 2025 saw the order of 13 LNG bunkering vessels, in addition to the 62 already in operation globally. The increase in bunkering vessel orders, particularly in February, points to the industry's commitment to expanding the logistical support required for scaling up the use of alternative fuels. This trend is crucial for LNG, where the availability of bunkering capacity plays a vital role in facilitating the continued adoption of sustainable fuel options in the maritime sector.
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