In May, there were more orders for ships that run on alternative fuels, but the numbers are still much lower than last year. This shows that the global shipping industry is taking a more careful and varied approach to i...
In May, there were more orders for ships that run on alternative fuels, but the numbers are still much lower than last year. This shows that the global shipping industry is taking a more careful and varied approach to investing in decarbonization.
According to the latest figures from DNV's Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, shipowners ordered 36 vessels powered by alternative fuels in May, bringing the total for 2026 to 119 vessels.
The majority of these orders were for LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and ethane carriers, which made up 26 of the new orders. Additionally, there were eight orders for LNG (liquefied natural gas) vessels, including six container ships and two car carriers; the month also saw two orders for ethanol-fueled bulk carriers.
LNG is still the most popular choice for alternative fuels this year, accounting for 60 of the 119 vessels ordered by May. Container shipping is the main sector driving this trend, with 42 of the LNG orders coming from this category, followed by 12 for vehicle carriers. So far this year, there have also been 50 orders for LPG and ethane carriers, while orders for methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen remain low.
Despite the continued flow of orders, DNV noted that the percentage of alternative-fueled vessels in total ordered tonnage is much lower compared to the same time in 2025.
This slowdown happens even as the shipping industry is generally making progress in decarbonization. Data released last month by the World Shipping Council revealed that the combined fleet of dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers has now exceeded 1,200 vessels either delivered or on order, amounting to over $180 billion in private investment.
The WSC also reported that 78% of currently ordered container ships and 94% of vehicle carriers can run on alternative fuels, highlighting that container shipping is leading the energy transition in the industry.
Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, noted that shipowners are adjusting to regulatory uncertainties, fuel availability, and long-term investment risks as the market evolves.
“Even though the rate of ordering alternative-fueled vessels varies compared to 2025, the industry is still progressing in its transition, with owners making decisions on fuels and technologies amid changing regulations and market conditions," Stefanatos stated.
He pointed out that while container shipping remains at the forefront of adopting alternative fuels, the patterns of ordering are changing.
“In previous years, container shipping led the way in ordering alternative-fueled vessels, but that is shifting," he mentioned. “While activity is still strong, there is now a focus on smaller vessels, with fewer of the very large container ships—historically more likely to adopt alternative fuels—being ordered. At the same time, there’s more activity in tankers and bulk carriers."
Stefanatos added that shipowners are increasingly shunning a single-fuel approach as they prepare their fleets for future emissions regulations and the uncertain economics of fuel.
“It’s also becoming clear that selecting fuel is no longer a single decision," he said. “Owners are treating it as a broader portfolio decision, managing their choices around fuel, investment timing, and future regulations as they make long-term asset decisions."
This trend reflects a wider shift in maritime decarbonization. Instead of relying on just one future fuel, many owners are ordering ships that can operate using multiple fuel options, allowing them to adapt as regulations, fuel infrastructure, and technologies change.
For now, LNG remains the top choice for alternative fuels, especially among container operators, while the adoption of methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen vessels is still relatively limited, even though interest in these fuels is growing in the industry.