Container Ships Lead the Charge in Alternative-Fuelled Vessel Orders
Key Ideas
- Container ships dominate the alternative-fuelled vessel orderbook, with 12 new orders in January 2025.
- LNG continues to be the dominant fuel type, but shipowners are exploring other options like methanol and ammonia.
- Cargo owners and consumers are driving the demand for sustainable practices in shipping.
- The container segment leads in the adoption of LNG and methanol, with a few vessels also exploring hydrogen as a fuel option.
In January 2025, 12 new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed, all from the container segment, as reported by DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform. The maritime industry saw a slight slowdown in new orders compared to the previous months but remains optimistic following a record-breaking year in 2024. The market trend continues to move towards new fuel types, with LNG dominating the orderbook. Shipowners are increasingly diversifying their fuel options, considering fuels like methanol and even exploring ammonia. The demand for more sustainable practices in shipping, driven by cargo owners and consumers, is a significant factor influencing the uptake of alternative-fuelled vessels. The container sector stands out for its adoption of LNG and methanol, with over 450 vessels powered by LNG and over 200 by methanol. Additionally, there are a few container ships also exploring hydrogen as a fuel source, according to DNV's data. This trend indicates a positive shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the maritime industry.