Connect with us

Newbuilding

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).
Admin

Published

1 week ago

on

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

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Newbuilding

Singapore: Pinnacle Marine’s first B100 fuelled utility boat starts 1,000-hour research trial

Newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.
Admin

Published

4 hours ago

on

July 9, 2025

By

President MT

The 50th vessel constructed by local boat builder Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd, namely President 100, is starting 1,000 hours of real-time research trials in collaboration with several parties from Wednesday (9 July) onwards, it says.

Powered by B100 biodiesel, the newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.

It will be participating in trials with Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), Weichai Singapore, China Classification Society, Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd, Abo Shoten, Ltd. / 株式会社安保商店 , Abo Singapore, Wilmar International, Gulf Marine, Amspec Testing & Services, and AYK Engineering and Consulting.

President MT 02

The President 100, Pinnacle Marine’s first full biodiesel utility boat, was launched on Tuesday in the presence of over 100 guests.

“Our latest vessel, President 100, merges legacy and future. Named after our first aluminium boat (“President”) and inspired by B100 biodiesel, it leads the charge for our next 50 vessels — many of which will embrace green technology,” stated Pinnacle Marine in a LinkedIn post.

“The launch was amazing, with strong turnout from across the maritime sector — authorities, shipowners, operators, agencies, chandlers, researchers, offshore engineers, and petrochemical suppliers.”

It added: “We’re excited to see how it paves the way for wider adoption of B100 biodiesel — a cleaner, sustainable path for Singapore’s harbour craft sector.”

 

Photo credit: Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Published: 9 July 2025

Continue Reading

Newbuilding

BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

Admin

Published

4 hours ago

on

July 9, 2025

By

BHP ammonia DF charters

Global resources company BHP on Wednesday (2 July) signed contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of COSCO shipping Group (COSCO Shipping) for the charter of two ammonia dual-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

The new vessels to be built under this arrangement will be two of only a handful of vessels in the world capable of using ammonia as a bunker fuel.

The two vessels, expected to be delivered from 2028, will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.

When run on lower or low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ammonia, these vessels will be capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50% and up to 95% on a per voyage basis compared to a conventionally fuelled voyage.

The five-year time charter contracts are expected to contribute towards a reduction in the GHG emissions intensity of BHP chartered shipping.

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan – the process of fuelling ships with ammonia – for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

Sourcing lower and low to zero GHG emissions ammonia is subject to an ongoing tender process.

 

Photo credit: BHP
Published: 9 July 2025

Continue Reading

Newbuilding

James Fisher: First of four LNG dual-fuel tankers begins construction at Chinese shipyard

Keel was laid for “Orca Fisher”, the first of four vessels in the Sealife class, at China Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard in late May; new vessels are expected to join the fleet from early 2026.

Admin

Published

5 days ago

on

July 4, 2025

By

James Fisher: First of four LNG dual-fuel tankers begins construction at Chinese shipyard

Shipowner and marine engineering solutions provider James Fisher and Sons (James Fisher) on Thursday (3 July) said it has marked a major construction milestone in the build of its LNG dual-fuel chemical tankers at the China Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard (YZDH).  

The company said the keel was laid for Orca Fisher, the first of four vessels in the Sealife class, in late May. 

The vessels were introduced as part of James Fisher’s Fleet of the Future, a long-term programme to modernise its tankships fleet with more efficient, lower-carbon vessels that support the use of alternative fuel propulsion. 

The new fleet – which include Orca Fisher, Narwhal Fisher, Tiger Fisher and Dolphin Fisher – are scheduled to join the fleet from early 2026, fulfilling the long-term demand for mid-sized ships in North-West Europe coastal shipping markets.  

Michael Arkley, Product Line Director (Tankships) at James Fisher, said: “This milestone marks more than the start of a hull – it’s a continuation of our ongoing and unwavering commitment to decarbonise the fleet and strengthen operational performance for our customers. It also reflects the depth of collaboration and trust we’ve built with YZDH, Bureau Veritas, Alpha Marine and other key partners across two successful newbuild programmes to date.”

The latest programme follows the successful delivery of Sir John Fisher and Lady Maria Fisher in 2023. Together, the vessels represent a third of James Fisher’s fleet and a multi-year partnership with YZDH, now responsible for constructing six of its ships.  

Manifold Times previously reported James Fisher ordering four new LNG dual fuel tankers from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng.

Related: James Fisher orders LNG dual-fuel tanker quartet from Chinese shipyard

 

Photo credit: James Fisher and Sons
Published: 4 July, 2025

Continue Reading

Trending