According to data from the international classification society DNV, a total of 36 alternative-fuel vessels were ordered worldwide in May. As a result, the number of such orders has reached 119 vessels since the beginning of 2026.
According to sea-news.az citing Seanews.az, that the majority of May’s orders consisted of LPG and ethane carriers. In addition, eight LNG-fueled vessels and two ethanol-powered bulk carriers were ordered.
DNV notes that LNG continues to maintain its leading position in the alternative-fuel segment, with 60 of the 119 vessels ordered so far this year expected to run on LNG.
However, the share of alternative-fuel vessels in total ship orders has declined significantly compared to the same period last year. Experts attribute this to regulatory uncertainty, fuel supply challenges, and long-term investment risks.
According to analysts, shipowners are finding it increasingly difficult to predict which alternative fuel will dominate in the future. As a result, they are showing greater interest in vessels that can be adapted to multiple fuel types rather than committing to a single option.
At present, LNG remains the most widely used alternative fuel, while orders for vessels powered by methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen remain limited.
