Latest data from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform showed liquified natural gas (LNG) fuelled newbuildings forming most alternative-fuelled orders in September 2025.
A total of 14 orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in September 2025, according to the latest data from DNV’s AFI platform.
Of these orders, 12 were for LNG-fuelled vessels, with six of these coming from the container segment, four from the bulk carrier segment, and two from the cruise segment. The remaining two orders were for LPG carriers.
Overall, 192 new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels have been placed in the first nine months of 2025, representing a decline of 48% compared to the same period in 2024. LNG-fuelled vessels accounted for the majority of these orders (121), followed by 43 orders for methanol-fuelled ships, with the remainder made up by LPG carriers (19), ammonia-fuelled vessels (5), and hydrogen-fuelled vessels (4).
New ordering in the alternative-fuelled market continues to be dominated by the container segment, which has accounted for 63% of all new orders so far in 2025 (120 vessels).
Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, commented:
“Following a record-breaking first half of the year, zero new orders in August and relatively low activity in September signal a clear slowdown in the alternative-fuelled market in the third quarter.
“While this trend reflects a weaker overall newbuild market and rising contracting costs, other factors are also influencing sentiment.
“Uncertainties around the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, including lifecycle assessment factors for certain fuels, are prompting many owners to adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach to new orders. It is, therefore, essential that the industry receives greater regulatory clarity in the coming months.”
Photo credit: DNV
Published: 2 October 2025
