In May 2026, DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform reported 36 new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels, mainly LPG/ethane carriers. Overall, 119 alternative-fuelled vessel orders were placed this year, with LNG vessels dominating. Despite lower tonnage shares compared to 2025, the industry is progressing towards decarbonization amid evolving regulations.
Stream Marine Training (SMT) urges accelerated crew training to align with the rapid adoption of alternative shipping fuels. As the maritime industry approaches the IMO’s 2050 targets, regulatory gaps highlight the urgency. Without timely training initiatives, the sector risks falling short of its environmental goals, emphasizing the need for proactive educational programs.
On February 4, 2026, the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) announced a partnership with CIMAC to enhance the maritime sector’s readiness for alternative fuel adoption. This collaboration aims to address challenges in transitioning to greener fuels, fostering innovation and effective strategies for a sustainable maritime future.
In 2025, LNG-fueled container ships significantly supported alternative fuels in the global shipbuilding orderbook, despite a drop in overall newbuilding activity. With 547 container contracts, they comprised 49% of total gross tonnage, showcasing resilience. LNG accounted for 58% of this segment, emphasizing a strong commitment to emissions reduction.
In October 2025, 30 new orders for alternative-fueled vessels were recorded, with 26 being LNG-fueled container ships. Overall, 222 orders for such vessels emerged in the first ten months, marking a 52% increase from 2024. The container segment dominated, accounting for 65% of these new orders.
In September 2025, only 14 alternative-fuelled vessel orders were reported, a significant decline from previous years. LNG remained the dominant choice, particularly in the container sector. The market slowdown, marked by zero new orders in August, reflects rising costs and regulatory uncertainties, especially concerning the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework.
In March 2025, DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform reported 25 new orders for alternative-fueled vessels. Methanol was the top choice with 12 orders, followed by LNG and ammonia. Despite a 13% decrease in orders compared to 2024, optimism remains high for the future of alternative fuels in the maritime industry.
The International Maritime Organization’s HTW sub-committee has drafted interim guidelines for training seafarers on ships using alternative fuels. Recognizing safety risks, these guidelines aim to address the growing use of sustainable fuels. Additionally, the NextWave Seafarers project seeks to combat seafarer shortages by offering training opportunities to cadets from developing nations.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is rapidly developing interim training guidelines for alternative fuels, emphasizing seafarer safety amidst emerging technologies. With a dual approach, the guidelines will address both generic training and specifics for various fuels. Industry experts stress the urgency, as alternative fuel ships are already entering service.
As the shipping industry confronts climate change, emissions reduction takes center stage. With regulatory pressures from the International Maritime Organization, companies aim for net-zero targets. However, the challenge lies in aging vessels and the need for new technologies, alongside navigating a landscape of alternative fuels and necessary infrastructure upgrades.
South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean partners with New York’s Amogy to advance zero-emission ammonia-to-power technology for ships, acquiring Amogy’s cutting-edge system. The collaboration, involving Hanwha Aerospace, aims to revolutionize maritime decarbonization with scalable ammonia-powered solutions. Exec VP Hyoung Seog Kim believes this partnership propels a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.
Malaysia’s MISC Berhad, via AET, seals contracts for the first ammonia dual-fuel Aframaxes globally. TCPs with PTLCL and shipbuilding deals with DSIC mark a significant step in promoting ammonia as a sustainable maritime fuel. Industry leaders, including Captain Subramaniam and CEO Osman, applaud the commitment to decarbonization.
The shipping industry is seeing a surge in orders for cleaner ships starting in 2024, with a notable increase in alternative fuel vessel orders. Despite a quieter month in March, the overall momentum remains strong, with exponential growth in new orders indicating a rapid expansion of the alternative fuel fleet.
