Alt-fuel vessel orders softened, but deliveries accelerated in 2025 – DNV
Alternative-fuelled newbuilding orders fell in 2025, dropping to 275 from 534 a year earlier, “amid a softer overall market,” said Kristian Hammer, senior consultant at DNV.
A total of 39 alternative-fuelled vessels were ordered in December 2025, including 28 LNG-capable and 11 methanol-capable ships.
“LNG remained the biggest driver throughout the year, with 188 orders accounting for 68% of alternative-fuelled newbuilds and 31% of overall gross tonnage,” Hammer added.
Total methanol-capable vessel orders declined sharply to 61 in 2025, from 149 in 2024.
Five ammonia-capable and four hydrogen-capable vessels were also ordered during the year.
In contrast, Hammer noted that vessel deliveries “accelerated” last year.
A total of 193 LNG- and 59 methanol-capable vessels entered service during the year, up from 177 LNG- and 17 methanol-capable deliveries in 2024.
There are now 846 LNG-capable vessels in operation, and another 642 on order for deliveries by 2033. The methanol-capable fleet comprises 106 vessels in operation and an additional 344 on order for delivery towards 2030.
One ammonia-capable vessel was delivered in 2025, taking the number of such vessels in operation to three.
A further 46 ammonia-capable vessels are currently on order, with deliveries scheduled through 2029.
By Konica Bhatt
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