Strong Growth in Alternative-Fuel Vessel Orders in April
Key Ideas
- April saw a significant increase in alternative-fuel vessel orders globally, with 49 ships ordered compared to 25 in March.
- Noteworthy are the first orders for hydrogen-fuelled cruise vessels since June 2024, showing a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
- Methanol-fuelled vessel orders dominated, particularly in the container segment, indicating a rising interest in methanol as a marine fuel.
- Orders for LNG-fuelled vessels also rose, including two LNG-fuelled bunkering vessels, suggesting a continued diversification of fuel sources in the maritime industry.
April witnessed a remarkable surge in the orders of alternative-fuel vessels worldwide, reaching a total of 49 ships compared to 25 in March. A significant development was the inclusion of two hydrogen-fuelled vessels in the cruise segment, marking the first such orders in nearly four years. This move showcases a growing trend towards adopting cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions in the maritime sector.
Among the alternative-fuel vessels ordered, methanol-fuelled ships accounted for 24, signifying a substantial increase from the previous month. The majority of these methanol-fuelled vessel orders were seen in the container segment (14), followed by the RoPax segment (9) and the tanker segment (1), underlining the diverse applications of methanol as a marine fuel.
Additionally, LNG-fuelled vessel orders experienced growth, although not as pronounced as methanol, with a total of 20 ships ordered in April. This figure includes two LNG-fuelled bunkering vessels, indicating a strategic focus on enhancing LNG infrastructure within the shipping industry.
The upsurge in alternative-fuel vessel orders reflects a positive shift towards sustainability and innovation in the maritime sector, with industry experts expressing optimism about the adoption of cleaner energy sources. This trend underscores the industry's commitment to reducing emissions and transitioning towards a more environmentally friendly future.