LNG-fuelled ships continue to lead despite 47 %...

According to IIR-member Det Norske Veritas (DNV), there are 638 LNG-powered ships currently in operation ^[1], steady from 641 in December 2024 ^[2]. Although regulatory and market uncertainties have slowed the adoption of alternative marine fuels, LNG-fuelled vessels continue to lead the market across all ship types in 2025, accounting for 188 orders and representing 31 % of total gross tonnage ^{[2, 3]}.

Figure. Development of LNG-fuelled fleet including LNG carriers ^{[2, 3]}

In 2025, 275 alternative-fuelled vessels were ordered, representing a 47 % year-on-year decrease compared to 2024, when 515 ships were ordered. According to DNV, this reflects “a natural reduction after several years of extraordinary ordering activity” ^[2]. Nevertheless, select sectors such as the container segment maintained a momentum of orderbook growth.

Methanol, typically the second most popular alternative maritime fuel choice, only accounted for 61 orders in 2025, down from 149 orders in 2024. Ammonia and LPG saw only limited order uptake.

Did you know? The 21^st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026) is coming to Doha, Qatar between the dates of February 2-5, 2026. LNG2026 will explore the theme “Leading LNG: Powering Today and Tomorrow” and will cover a range of topics relevant and important to the LNG industry.

Find out more and stay connected for hightlights on this event co-organised by IIR

Sources

[1] https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/green-shipping-and-the-blue-economy/

[2] DNV. https://www.dnv.com/news/2026/LNG-fuelled-container-ships-sustain-alternative-fuel-share-of-global-orderbook-amid-industry-slowdown/

[3] SEA-LNG. https://sea-lng.org/2026/01/shippings-methane-decarbonisation-pathway-becomes-a-clear-runway-for-the-future/

LNG-fuelled ships continue to lead despite 47 % decrease in alternative maritime fuels market