The number of alternative-fueled ships ordered increased significantly over the summer, with August showing the highest monthly count in almost two years. LNG-fueled containerships and car carriers were the main contributors to this surge in newbuild orders.
In August, 52 alternative-fueled vessels were added to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, marking the strongest monthly figure since October 2024. This strong performance came after 47 additions in July, indicating a recovery after a slow start to 2026.
Among the vessels ordered in August, 46 were LNG-powered, consisting of 30 containerships and 12 car carriers. Additionally, there were four ethanol-fueled bulk carriers and two hydrogen-powered bulk carriers, as well as an order for an LNG bunker vessel.
This summer's increase has put alternative-fuel vessel orders well ahead of last year's figures. Shipowners placed 242 orders in the first eight months of 2026, which is a 27% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
“The last two months have been particularly strong for orders of alternative-fueled vessels, with August showing the highest monthly total since October 2024," said Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime. “This has raised the year-to-date orders to a level significantly above the previous year.”
This rebound is a significant change from the first half of the year. By June, DNV recorded 137 orders for alternative-fuel vessels, down from 155 during the first six months of 2025.
In fact, July and August alone contributed to more than 100 vessels being added to the alternative-fuel order book.
LNG has remained the leading choice for orders, making up 63% of alternative-fuel vessel orders so far this year. Containerships account for 59% of these LNG orders, followed by car carriers at 30%.
“LNG is the preferred fuel, largely due to activity in the container and car carrier sectors,” Stefanatos explained. “These sectors were among the first to adopt alternative fuels, benefiting from predictable operations and increasing demands from cargo owners to lower emissions across supply chains.”
For shipowners, LNG provides a blend of reduced emissions, readily available fuel, and flexibility as the industry looks at long-term alternatives.
The latest data also shows that owners are open to exploring options beyond LNG. August saw orders for ethanol- and hydrogen-fueled ships, while newbuild investments have also been made in ammonia, methanol, LPG, and ethane this year.
In the first half of 2026, orders for LPG and ethane-fueled vessels rose to 55, up from just 15 during the same period last year. DNV also recorded four ammonia-fueled vessels, two methanol-fueled vessels, two ethanol-fueled vessels, and one hydrogen-fueled vessel by June.
Alternative-fuel deliveries are also contributing to the active fleet. In the first half of the year, 61 LNG-fueled vessels and 38 methanol-fueled vessels began operations. Belgian gas shipping company Exmar also took delivery of what it called the world’s first oceangoing dual-fuel ammonia vessel intended for commercial use.
This mix highlights a market that hasn't yet settled on a single path for the energy transition in shipping. LNG has clearly emerged as the leading option in the short term, especially in sectors that can utilize established bunkering infrastructure, while owners are cautiously investing in fuels that might play a larger role as regulations tighten and supply chains evolve.
“Different segments are choosing different fuels, but the overall activity level shows ongoing investment in lower-emission shipping,” stated Stefanatos.