Latest data from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform showed that alternative-fuelled vessel orders reached 69 in September, the highest monthly total since October 2024.
The total of 168 orders placed in Q3 2026 made it the busiest quarter since Q3 2024.
So far in 2026, 311 alternative-fuelled vessel orders have been registered, representing a 53% increase compared to the same period last year.
LNG accounted for 48 of September’s orders, spanning container vessels, car carriers, bulk carriers and ro-ro cargo vessels. The month also included 12 ethanol-fuelled bulk carriers and nine LPG -fuelled vessels, reflecting activity across a broad range of fuel and vessel segments.
Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “After a relatively slow start to 2026, vessel ordering activity picked up significantly in the third quarter. September capped the strongest quarter for alternative-fuelled vessel contracting in the past two years, bringing year-to-date orders comfortably above the level seen at the same point last year.
“Ordering activity can turn quickly, as this quarter shows. The mix of fuels and vessel types still varies from one segment to another, which reflects the different operating profiles and commercial realities across the industry. However, the overall level of contracting suggests that shipowners continue to invest in alternative-fuel capability as part of their longer-term fleet strategies.”
Photo credit: DNV
Published: 2 October, 2026
