- 49 alternative-fuelled vessels were ordered in April 2025, marking a 5% year-on-year increase.
- Methanol and LNG led the orders with 24 and 20 vessels, respectively, showing strong interest across multiple ship types.
- Hydrogen returned to the order books with two cruise vessel orders, the first since June 2024.
According to the latest figures from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, the global maritime industry saw a notable increase in alternative-fuelled vessel orders in April 2025. Despite a general decline in new shipbuilding activity, the sector recorded 49 new orders, reflecting a 5% increase compared to the same period last year.
Methanol and LNG Orders Lead the Way
Methanol and LNG proved to be the most preferred alternative fuels among shipowners. Methanol vessel orders totalled 24, with a heavy concentration in the container (14) and RoPax (9) segments, and a single tanker order. Meanwhile, LNG-powered vessels accounted for 20 orders, distributed across the container (16), cruise (2), and RoPax (2) segments. This even distribution reflects a balanced demand for these fuels across different operational needs.
Diverse Segment Uptake Highlights Market Maturity
The container sector continues to dominate in alternative-fuel adoption, especially with methanol and LNG. However, the inclusion of RoPax and cruise segments in the order mix indicates a shift toward broader, more diverse fuel adoption. This trend suggests a maturing market where environmental goals and operational demands are aligning more consistently across various vessel types.
Hydrogen Sees Modest Revival
In a notable development, hydrogen-fuelled vessels made a return to the order books for the first time since June 2024. Two cruise ships powered by hydrogen were ordered in April, signaling renewed interest in zero-emission fuels, particularly for segments with growing environmental scrutiny.
Industry Perspectives
Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, highlighted that methanol and LNG being ordered at nearly identical levels reflects a changing fuel landscape. Methanol has rebounded strongly after a slow start to the year, while LNG continues to show resilience and versatility. He emphasized that shipowners are increasingly making decisions based on fuel flexibility, availability, and operational requirements specific to their segment.
The alternative-fuelled vessel market remains a bright spot in an otherwise cooling newbuild environment. The comparable strength of LNG and methanol orders and the renewed interest in hydrogen showcase the industry’s active pursuit of decarbonization pathways. These developments underline a growing readiness among shipowners to invest in future-proof, sustainable fuel technologies.
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Source: Manifold Times
