India has secured a $3 billion deal to purchase liquefied natural gas from the UAE, making it the UAE’s top customer. This agreement, established during a meeting between UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to bolster trade and defense relations.
Woodside Energy Trading Singapore has secured a sale and purchase agreement with Japan’s JERA for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply during peak winter months. The deal commits Woodside to deliver three LNG cargoes annually, totaling 0.2 million tonnes over five years, enhancing the long-term supply relationship between the companies.
An Arc7 ice-class LNG carrier, the Christophe de Margerie, has made history by completing the first winter pickup of LNG from Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 plant. Loaded on December 19, this pivotal achievement for Novatek signifies an effort to sustain production amid Arctic winter challenges, highlighting advancements in ice-class shipping capabilities.
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.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has marked a pivotal moment in India’s maritime industry by securing its first international order for container vessels, valued between $225 million and $300 million. This milestone, which involves constructing six LNG-powered feeder ships for CMA CGM, positions India as a rising contender in global shipbuilding.
Hanwha Ocean of South Korea has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by completing the world’s first ship-to-ship transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) during sea trials off Geoje Island. This operation, involving the vessels Maran Gas Syros and Woodside Jirrubakura, underscores advancements in LNG transport technology and clean energy shipping.
Lloyd’s Register’s latest Fuel for Thought report highlights LNG’s dominance as the primary alternative marine fuel, citing its cost-effectiveness, emissions compliance, and growth in orders for LNG-capable vessels. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing methane slip and advancing cleaner LNG production methods for long-term sustainability. Industry leaders are embracing LNG for decarbonization strategies.
Titan Clean Fuels and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) recently completed a groundbreaking LNG and bio-LNG bunkering operation in Belgium. This operation showcased the potential of bio-LNG to reduce GHG emissions in the shipping industry. MOL’s commitment to LNG-fueled vessels highlights the importance of sustainable fuels in achieving decarbonization goals.
South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) is leading a project to recycle evaporated gas emitted during the construction of liquefied natural gas-powered ships into city gas. The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is part of a national task established by the South Korean Ministry.
Anglo-Eastern has inaugurated a new LNG/ammonia bunkering station skid at Mumbai Maritime Academy on February 20, 2025, enhancing training for safe fueling of LNG- and ammonia-powered vessels. This advanced facility aims to equip industry professionals with essential skills in handling emerging fuels, promoting maritime safety and sustainability amid rising demand.
Gasum has partnered with DNV to ensure the accuracy of its FuelEU Maritime pooling service. DNV will use its Emissions Connect solution to gather and validate emissions data from Gasum’s vessels. This collaboration aims to verify pool compliance at the end of the year, in line with the new requirements set by the FuelEU Maritime regulation.
In 2024, the maritime industry witnessed a surge in orders for alternative fuel vessels, with 515 such ships ordered compared to the previous year. Container ships accounted for the majority of these orders, showcasing a shift towards sustainable propulsion technologies. LNG remained popular, but methanol and ammonia also gained traction as alternative fuel choices.
In 2025, the shipping industry is facing the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to comply with regulations set by the International Maritime Organization. The Carbon Intensity Indicator rating is becoming stricter, with the EU ETS likely to see price increases. Ship owners are turning to LNG, biomethane, and e-methane as cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives.
The shipping industry is shifting towards LNG as a transitional fuel to meet emission targets, but methane slip poses environmental risks. Investments in alternative fuels like methanol, ammonia, and Bio-LNG are increasing due to uncertainty. Wärtsilä’s NextDF technology addresses methane slip, enhancing the viability of LNG. Bio-LNG offers a sustainable solution.
In November 2024, DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform reported 27 new orders for alternative fueled vessels, primarily driven by LNG with 23 vessels ordered. The container segment led with 15 new orders, while the car carrier segment saw six new LNG-fueled vessels added. Four new orders for ammonia-fueled vessels were also recorded.
