LNG continues to be the alternative fuel of choice for vessel owners, but the orderbook slowed in February, according to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform.
Data revealed that 17 new orders for alternative-fuelled ships were placed last month, with 14 of these for container ships that will run on LNG. The remaining orders were for dual-fuelled ethane gas carriers.
In the first two months of 2026, a total of 37 vessels were ordered with the capability of being powered by alternative fuels, down from 54 in the same period in 2025.
Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV, said: “These figures mark a relatively slow month in the alternative-fuelled space, with activity notably lower than the same period last year. LNG again dominates the orderbook, driven largely by container operators responding to cargo-owner expectations for lower-emission transport.”
“It is also encouraging to see continued growth in the LNG bunkering fleet, reflecting the increasing need for supporting infrastructure as more LNG-fuelled vessels enter operation.
“On a broader level, these figures underline that the fuel transition is progressing, albeit at a more measured pace than we have seen over the past two years.”