The shipbuilding shipbuilding has experienced a global slowdown in 2025. However, LNG-powered container ships have maintained their prominence as the preferred choice in the use of alternative fuels, according to annual data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform.
New construction market loses steam
During 2025, global orders for new ships fell significantly, from 4,405 in 2024 to just 2,403. This contraction reflects both a natural adjustment following the boom of previous years and the influence of lingering regulatory uncertainty affecting shipowners’ strategic decisions.
Despite this scenario, ships powered by alternative fuels, the alternative fuels maintained their stable share at 38% of total gross tonnage. Within this group, containerships were key: they accounted for 68% of orders for alternative ships, with LNG accounting for 58% of tonnage by fuel type.
LNG-powered containerships in a challenging context
In total, 275 alternative propulsion vessel orders were recorded in 2025, down 47% from the previous year. Of these, 188 were LNG-powered, consolidating its position as the leading technology in the segment. Orders for methanol-fueled shipsorders for methanol-fueled ships fell to 61 from 149 in 2024.
DNV’s global director of decarbonization, Jason Stefanatos, pointed out that this behavior is explained by a clear strategy of cargo shipowners, who are prioritizing investments in technologies with consolidated infrastructure, commercial viability and regulatory backing, as is the case in the container transport.
Segments more sensitive to the economic cycle
In contrast, sectors such as the bulk bulk carriers y tankers showed steep declines. Orders for LPG and ethane tankers fell by 73%, while orders for car carriers plummeted by 90%. This trend reflects the caution of segments more sensitive to capital costs and the lack of clear incentives to adopt sustainable energy options.
According to DNV, the lack of clarity around fuel lifecycle emissions and evolving regulations hinders the transition in these segments. This leads many shipowners to prioritize conventional fuels, at least until regulatory and market conditions become more favorable.
Infrastructure and efficiency as drivers of trust
Despite the context of a generalized downturn, investment in supply infrastructure has remained active. In 2025, 22 new LNG bunkering vessels were added. LNG bunkering vessels and units capable of operating on methanol and biofuels biofuels. These developments indicate increased confidence in the scalability and cost-effectiveness of alternative fuels.
On the other hand, the adoption of complementary technologies is also on the rise. Last year, 24 ships were delivered with wind-assisted propulsion systems. wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) (WAPS), reinforcing the focus on energy efficiency as an integral part of decarbonization strategies.
Flexibility and regulation are key
The report of DNV REPORT highlights that the future of alternative fuels in the shipping industry will be determined by the ability of shipowners to adapt flexibly to evolving regulatory frameworks. The priority will be on scalable investments and efficiency measures that can quickly adjust to new regulatory requirements and market conditions.
The containership segment, driven by LNG and methanol, is emerging as the leader in this transition, supported by consolidated logistics chains and a growing demand for more sustainable transport solutions.
Source and photo: DNV