Investment in alternative-fuel vessels remains strong across the global liner shipping industry, with the total number of dual-fuel container ships, car carriers, and other vessels already delivered or currently on order exceeding 1,200.
The latest “Dual-Fuel Fleet Monitor” report released by the World Shipping Council shows that as of March 2026, there were 440 dual-fuel vessels in operation globally, representing a significant year-over-year increase of 65%; an additional 764 dual-fuel vessels are on order. The total number of dual-fuel vessels delivered and under contract has reached 1,204, representing an investment of over $180 billion.
Although uncertainties remain regarding future fuel supplies, the development of supporting infrastructure, and global emissions regulations, container shipping continues to lead the energy transition in the maritime industry, and the car carrier sector is also growing rapidly.
Data from the World Shipping Council shows that 78% of current container ship orders are dual-fuel capable; the transition for car carriers is even faster, with 94% of new orders designed according to alternative fuel standards. For other vessel types, 17% of orders also utilize dual-fuel configurations. Industry insiders say, “Dual-fuel vessels are a long-term investment focused on flexibility. Over a vessel’s decades-long operational lifespan, their design can adapt to multiple fuel routes, helping to reduce operational risks, enhance energy security, and improve the resilience of the global supply chain.”
To address the proposed International Maritime Organization emissions regulations and the increasing demands from cargo owners for supply chain emissions reduction, global shipowners are adjusting their fleet structures. Although the market share of methanol dual-fuel vessels continues to grow, liquefied natural gas (LNG) remains the mainstream choice, especially in the container ship sector.
Amid the surge in dual-fuel vessel orders, the shipping industry faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions and decarbonize, while also facing significant fuel uncertainty—specifically, which fuel will ultimately be the choice in the long-term transition away from traditional marine fuels.
Many new vessels currently being delivered and put into operation are designed to use either LNG or conventional marine fuels in the initial stages, while retaining the flexibility to transition to renewable or near-zero carbon fuels to adapt to improvements in infrastructure and fuel supply over the coming decades.
In summary, the global shipping market is increasingly polarized in its fuel choices. Container ship owners and car carrier owners continue to invest heavily in dual-fuel fleets, but other vessel types, including tankers and bulk carriers, remain more cautious given the volatility in freight rates, fuel economics uncertainty, and unresolved regulatory issues.
Despite the overall weakness in global new shipbuilding activity, container shipping, as one of the few major maritime sectors still actively ordering alternative fuel vessels, has demonstrated strong vitality and is a major driver of large-scale decarbonization investment in maritime transport.