Despite a market slowdown, alternative fuels continue to represent a significant share of new ship orders in the first half of 2025. Leading the way, LNG accounts for more than one in two orders.
According to the Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform from DNV, 151 vessels powered by alternative fuels were ordered during the first half of 2025, compared to 179 in the first six months of 2024. While the number of units slightly decreased, the increase in total gross tonnage capacity (19.8 million GT, +78%) indicates a strategic shift towards larger vessels.
LNG Confirms Its Leadership, Hydrogen and Ammonia Make a Cautious Return
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) remains the top choice, with 87 vessels ordered totaling 14.2 million GT. The container ship segment alone accounts for 13.6 million GT, representing 81 units. Methanol is also progressing, with 40 vessels totaling 4.6 million GT, spread across several segments including RoPax, car carriers, and tankers.
Though still at an early stage of development, ammonia and hydrogen are present in new orders. Three ammonia-fueled vessels have been added (37,000 GT), mainly in liquid bulk and general cargo transport. For hydrogen, four vessels (114,000 GT) are now on order. These early signals reflect growing interest despite challenges related to infrastructure and technological maturity in the hydrogen sector.
“Energy transition is no longer driven solely by pioneers; it is becoming a central strategy for a larger number of shipowners,” notes Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV.
| Fuel | Number of Ships | Gross Tonnage (GT) | Main Segments Concerned |
|---|---|---|---|
| LNG | 87 | 14.2 million | Container ships (81 units, 13.6 million GT) |
| Methanol | 40 | 4.6 million | RoPax, car carriers, tankers |
| Ammonia | 3 | 37,000 | Liquid bulk, general cargo |
| Hydrogen | 4 | 114,000 | Not specified |
| Total | 151 | 19.8 million |
An Ecosystem Organizing Around LNG
Infrastructure is also following this trend. Thirteen LNG bunkering vessels were ordered in the first half of 2025, bringing the global total in service to 62 units. February was particularly active, with eight new orders.
