In the first half of 2026, the maritime industry saw a reduction in orders for vessels powered by alternative fuels, with 137 new ships commissioned, an 11.6% decrease from the 155 orders placed in the same period of 2025. Data from DNV's Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform highlights this shift.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) continued to be the most popular choice, accounting for 73 of these new orders. The majority of these LNG-fuelled vessels were destined for the container shipping sector (42 units) and car carrier segment (21 units). A significant increase was observed in orders for LPG/ethane carriers, which rose to 55 in H1 2026 from just 15 in H1 2025. Other alternative fuels saw fewer orders, including methanol (2), ethanol (2), ammonia (4), and hydrogen (1). Additionally, two LNG bunker vessels were also ordered.
For freight forwarders and supply chain managers, this decline in alternative-fuelled vessel orders could imply a slower pace of decarbonization in the global fleet than previously anticipated. While LNG and LPG adoption is growing, the overall reduction in new green ship orders might affect future capacity planning and the availability of lower-emission shipping options. This could also influence long-term freight rates and the ability to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations, potentially leading to higher costs for shippers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
