August 4, 2025
The global shipping industry continues to accelerate its transition toward alternative fuels, with new data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform revealing a notable uptick in vessel orders during July 2025.
According to Kristian Hammer, product manager AFI and senior consultant at DNV, a total of 28 new alternative-fuelled vessels were added to the global orderbook in July, marking a significant rise from 19 vessels in June, as shipowners and operators respond to regulatory pressures and long-term decarbonization goals.
Credit: DNV LNG maintains lead, driven by container segment
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) remained the dominant fuel choice, accounting for 22 of the new orders. The container ship segment once again led the charge with 19 LNG-fuelled vessels, while two LNG-fuelled tankers and a research vessel further highlighted the growing diversity of LNG’s applications beyond traditional cargo carriers.
Credit: DNV Methanol gains ground
Methanol also gained traction, with three new orders placed, two bulk carriers and one offshore support vessel, continuing the fuel’s steady emergence.
Ammonia milestone signals future infrastructure planning
A notable development came in the ammonia space. In addition to two gas carriers ordered, July saw the first-ever ammonia bunker vessel added to the orderbook. While ammonia remains an early-stage fuel, the addition of a bunkering vessel suggests early signs of supporting infrastructure beginning to take shape, potentially paving the way for wider adoption in the years ahead.
Fuel strategies align with vessel profiles and regulations
As explained by Hammer, the July data supports an ongoing trend observed throughout 2025: fuel choices are increasingly tailored to vessel type, operational profile, and regulatory frameworks. As environmental regulations tighten and zero-carbon goals approach, shipowners are showing a heightened focus on aligning fuel strategies with long-term operational requirements.
