Alternative-Fuel Ship Orders Slow Slightly in First Half of 2026, LNG Maintains Lead

Alternative-fuelled vessel orders eased during the first half of 2026, but LNG continued to dominate newbuild activity as shipowners favored proven fuel technologies while keeping an eye on emerging alternatives.

According to the latest data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, shipowners placed orders for 137 alternative-fuelled vessels during the first six months of 2026, down from 155 orders during the same period last year.

June accounted for 15 new orders, including 10 LNG-fuelled vessels—nine car carriers and one CO2 carrier—and five LPG/ethane carriers. Shipowners also ordered two LNG bunker vessels during the month, bringing total LNG bunker vessel orders