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DNV: LNG remains top choice for alternative-fueled newbuild orders in H1 2025

LNG was the clear fuel of choice, accounting for 87 new vessels ordered, totaling 14.2 million GT so far in 2025 and the bunker fuel remains dominant in the container segment, with 13.6 million GT (81 vessels).
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DNV: LNG remains top choice for alternative-fueled newbuild orders in H1 2025

Ordering of alternative-fueled vessels is continuing to grow in 2025, despite a slowdown in the overall newbuild market, classification society DNV said Tuesday (1 July). 

According to data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, new orders for alternative-fueled vessels reached 19.8 million gross tonnes (GT) in the first six months of 2025, exceeding the 2024 figure by 78%. 

This marks a significant shift in capital allocation, as shipowners increasingly prioritize future-ready assets in response to regulatory pressure, fuel availability, and long-term decarbonization goals.

A total of 151 alternative-fueled vessels were ordered in the first half of 2025, slightly behind the 179 orders placed during the first six months of 2024. Even so, the overall GT has increased markedly, showing a 78% year-on-year growth driven mainly by activity in the container segment, but with notable orders also in the bulker, tanker and RoPax segments. 

This concentration suggests that some of the industry’s most commercially exposed and operationally complex segments are now leading the charge, reinforcing the view that alternative fuels are no longer a fringe strategy, but a mainstream investment decision.

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV, said: “We’re seeing a broader shift take hold across the industry. The energy transition is no longer driven solely by first movers, it’s now being shaped by a second wave of shipowners who are integrating alternative fuels and technologies into their core strategies.

“Even in a slower newbuild market, fuel choices are diversifying, and decarbonization is becoming embedded in everyday decision-making. We expect that fuel choices and energy efficiency investments will accelerate as the regulatory framework becomes clearer over the next 4-10 months.”

LNG was the clear fuel of choice, accounting for 87 new vessels ordered, totaling 14.2 million GT so far in 2025. The fuel remains dominant in the container segment, with 13.6 million GT (81 vessels). Methanol has also shown strong momentum, with 4.6 million GT (40 vessels) ordered across the container, RoPax, tanker, offshore, and car carrier segments. 

Ammonia and hydrogen, while still niche, continue to register activity, suggesting early-stage confidence in their long-term potential. Three ammonia-fueled were added to the orderbook, primarily in the tanker and general cargo segments (37.000 GT total). Hydrogen made a return with four vessels (114.000 GT) currently on order.

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV, added: “The data reflects a sector that is actively recalibrating. We’re not seeing a slowdown in ambition, but rather a more measured approach to investment—one that balances optionality, compliance readiness, and long-term fuel strategy. 

“As shipowners weigh compliance strategies, the upcoming fuel intensity rules, which form part of the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, are expected to accelerate this shift. We’re watching closely to see how this will be reflected in future ordering behavior, particularly as fuel availability and infrastructure evolve, and we get further regulatory clarity when IMO’s lifecycle assessment guidelines are decided.”

Supporting infrastructure is also evolving in parallel with vessel investments. In the first half of 2025, 13 LNG bunkering vessels were ordered, compared to 62 in operation globally, with February marking the strongest month for this segment with eight orders. This growth reflects a steady alignment between alternative-fuelled vessel orders and the supporting logistics required to scale their use, particularly for LNG, where bunkering capacity is becoming a critical enabler of continued adoption.

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 2 July, 2025

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Newbuilding

LR launches Newbuild Advisory service, guide on major North Asian shipyards

Advisory service is designed to support shipowners, operators, yards, and investors throughout the design and build process while updated guide gives detailed insight into shipyards across China, Korea and Japan.

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22 hours ago

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June 3, 2026

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RESIZED Chris Pagan

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Tuesday (2 June) said it is growing its role in the newbuilding market with the launch of its Newbuild Advisory Service and updated New Construction Guide.

With global demand continuing to reshape shipyard orderbooks, owners are balancing a growing number of considerations during the planning phase of newbuilding projects, including fuel readiness, delivery timelines, technical capability and long-term operational requirements.

Launching at Posidonia 2026, the Newbuild Advisory service is designed to support shipowners, operators, yards, and investors throughout the design and build process, helping them to manage risk, optimise performance, and make informed decisions from concept through to delivery.

Drawing on experience from more than 500 new building projects, the Newbuild Advisory Service helps clients make better design and technology choices upfront, giving greater control over cost and schedule as projects progress, and reducing the risk of misalignment between owner expectations and yard execution.

It also adds a layer of independent oversight, with a focus on build quality, efficiency and long-term asset performance.

Sujith Tooneri, Global Head – Newbuild Advisory Services, LR, said: “Ship newbuilding for the future starts with making the right decisions today, and these decisions will shape the next generation of maritime operations.

“LR’s Newbuild Advisory Services provide expert guidance from concept to delivery, helping you design, specify and implement solutions that meet tomorrow’s standards. From concept, regulatory impact and risk to GHG reduction strategies and integrating innovative technologies, we ensure your fleet is smarter, safer and future ready.”

Alongside the Newbuild Advisory Service launch, LR is introducing an updated New Construction Guide, providing detailed insight into major North Asian shipyards, on yard capabilities, experience and regional strengths in a single, easy-to-use tool.

The guide brings together independent shipyard intelligence across China, Korea and Japan to help owners, operators and project teams compare options more confidently before entering newbuild discussions.

The guide reflects LR’s extensive knowledge of key shipyards, regional shipbuilding activity and newbuilding considerations, combined with its technical expertise across classification, plan approval, technical advisory and digital support services.

Sherry Li, Global Head of New Construction, LR, said: “Selecting the right shipyard has become more complex as owners balance delivery schedules, fuel transition strategies and changing market requirements. Clients need reliable insight early in the process to help them make confident decisions and reduce uncertainty around newbuilding projects.

“Our updated New Construction Guide reflects LR’s depth of knowledge across key shipbuilding regions, particularly North Asia. It is designed to give clients practical support as they evaluate shipyard capability, plan future fleet investment and navigate increasingly complex construction requirements.”

The Newbuild Advisory Service and updated New Construction Guide will be featured at the LR stand during Posidonia, as part of broader engagement with owners, yards and charterers on the next phase of newbuild activity.

 

Photo credit: Chris Pagan on Unsplash
Published: 3 June, 2026

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Methanol

Maritime Blue calls for proposals on methanol bunker barge design

Maritime Blue, in collaboration with the Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, Northwest Seaport Alliance, and ABS, is seeking a naval architecture firm to develop design schematics for a methanol bunker barge.
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6 days ago

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May 29, 2026

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RESIZED Venti Views on Unsplash

Maritime Blue, in collaboration with the Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, Northwest Seaport Alliance, and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), is seeking a qualified naval architecture firm to develop design schematics for a methanol bunker barge.

A Request for Proposals (RFP), issued on 11 May, invited companies to submit a proposal for the barge, which will be used as the supply ship in a ship-to-ship methanol bunkering exercise during a high level risk assessment workshop planned for September 2026. 

The design is intended for a desktop exercise to identify operational requirements and safety gaps for green methanol bunkering in the Seattle-Tacoma Gateway.

The bunker barge is expected to have a methanol capacity of approximately 30,000 bbls but contractors may propose alternative capacities with justification. 

The receiving ship for the workshop has not been selected yet, but is anticipated to be a cargo, container, cruise, or ro-ro ship.

Maritime Blue said the submission deadline for the proposals is 1 June at 3pm PDT.

 

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 29 May, 2026

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Newbuilding

Fratelli Cosulich readies methanol-ready bunker tanker for maiden voyage to Singapore

Vessel will now commence preparations for her maiden voyage to Singapore, where it is expected to support the Group’s ongoing bunkering operations and further strengthen its presence in the city-state.
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2 weeks ago

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May 21, 2026

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Fratelli Cosulich readies methanol-ready bunker tanker for maiden voyage to Singapore

Marine fuel supplier Fratelli Cosulich on Wednesday (20 May) said it celebrated the delivery of Anna Cosulich, one of the Group’s new generation of methanol-ready IMO II bunker tankers developed within its fleet expansion programme.

Delivered at the Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard (China), the vessel marked another important milestone for the Marine Energy business unit. 

The vessel will now commence preparations for her maiden voyage to Singapore, where it is expected to support the Group’s ongoing bunkering operations and further strengthen its presence in one of the world’s leading bunkering hubs. 

“All necessary arrangements and preparations are being carried out to ensure a smooth transition into operations ahead of her voyage,” the company said. 

“We wish Anna Cosulich and her crew a safe voyage ahead and fair winds on her maiden journey to Singapore.”

 

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 21 May, 2026

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