Slow start to 2026: Alternative-fuelled vessel orders down 40% YoY in Q1, says DNV
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Latest data from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform showed a total of five new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in March 2026.
Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said it was a slow month with the new orders for two LNG-fuelled car carriers, two LPG gas carriers, and one methanol-fuelled PSV.
“Taking a wider view, a total of 45 vessels with alternative-fuel capability were ordered in the first quarter of 2026, representing a year-on-year decline of ~40%,” he said in a social media post.
“Ordering activity was dominated by LNG-fuelled container vessels (32), continuing a trend that became well established in 2025.”
At the other end of the pipeline, Stefanatos said DNV has also seen the delivery of 60 vessels with alternative-fuel capability in the first quarter of 2026, including 27 LNG-fuelled and 17 methanol-fuelled vessels.
“This reflects the strong ordering activity seen three to four years ago, with this expected to continue throughout the year as more projects reach completion,” he added.
Photo credit: DNV
Published: 7 April, 2026
