DNV: Positive start to 2026 for alternative-fuelled vessel orders

Latest data from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform showed a total of 20 new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in January 2026.  

Activity continues to be dominated by LNG-fuelled container vessels, which accounted for 16 of these orders, with one methanol-fuelled offshore vessel and three LPG vessels making up the remainder.

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “This is a relatively positive start to the year in the alternative-fuelled space. LNG has the highest share with the container segment continuing to drive momentum.  

“This is being led by cargo owners and shipowners who are pressing ahead with their own decarbonisation strategies, even as market and regulatory uncertainties remain.”  

Last month, DNV reported a total of 275 orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in 2025, representing a year-on-year decrease of 47%. This mirrored a broader drop in the overall newbuild market, which fell to 2,403 orders, from 4,405 in 2024. 

Related: DNV: LNG-fuelled boxships sustain alternative fuel share of global orderbook

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 3 February, 2026