Methanol and LNG saw similar numbers of new vessel orders in April, with 24 and 20 respectively out of 49; two new orders for hydrogen-fuelled vessels in the cruise segment were placed.
Latest figures from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform saw a total of 49 new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in April 2025.
This represents a 5% increase compared to last year, despite the backdrop of a decline in overall newbuild orders.
Methanol and LNG saw similar numbers of new vessel orders in April, with 24 and 20 respectively. Methanol orders were concentrated in the container (14) and RoPax (9) segments, with one additional order in the tanker segment. Orders for LNG fuelled vessels were distributed across the container (16), cruise (2), and RoPax (2) segments.
The concentration of orders in the container segment reflects ongoing activity from cargo operators, while the presence of orders across RoPax, cruise, and other segments points to a more diverse uptake of alternative fuels compared to previous months.
Additionally, there were two new orders for hydrogen-fuelled vessels in the cruise segment, marking the first orders since June 2024.
Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “Methanol and LNG going head-to-head this month reflects how fuel choices are evolving. Methanol has rebounded quickly after a quieter start to the year, while LNG remains strong with uptake diversifying beyond the container segment.
“Seeing LNG and methanol fuelled vessels ordered at similar levels shows how owners are weighing flexibility, fuel availability, and segment-specific needs when ordering.”
“Continued strength in the alternative-fuelled vessel market stands out, even amid a broader slowdown in newbuild activity.”
