New data indicates that demand for cleaner-fuel ships remains resilient across the global shipping fleet, even as overall newbuild activity has slowed compared with last year’s highs. According to AXSMarine figures cited by Reuters, 37 per cent of cargo vessel orders placed in the first ten months of 2025 are capable of operating on alternative, lower-emission fuels. This is unchanged from 2024, despite total order volumes falling from 113 million GT to 78 million GT.
These figures exclude LNG carrier orders, as those vessels run on LNG by default. Across major cargo segments, container ships and vehicle carriers continue to lead the transition, with more than 70 per cent of new orders specifying alternative-fuel capability. LNG remains the most widely adopted option, accounting for 29 per cent of all orders. Methanol, which experienced rapid growth in recent years, has declined to around 10 per cent amid questions around global supply, long-term costs and infrastructure readiness.
The market slowdown reflects softer freight conditions, higher newbuild prices and growing caution among shipowners following the IMO’s decision to delay its global carbon-reduction targets by one year. This pause has introduced new uncertainty into long-term investment decisions, prompting many owners to adopt a more measured stance as they assess fuel pathways and emerging regulatory obligations.
Despite these headwinds, the steady share of alternative-fuel orders highlights continued structural momentum toward fleet decarbonisation, reinforced by charterer requirements, emissions-reporting frameworks and regional regulatory measures such as the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime.
Based on: Alphaliner data & reporting
