Alternative-Fuel Ship Orders Up 57% in 2026 as LNG Continues to Dominate

Orders for alternative-fueled ships are running 57% ahead of last year, with LNG-powered containerships and car carriers driving much of the growth, according to new figures from classification society DNV.

Shipowners ordered 53 alternative-fueled vessels in October, bringing the year-to-date total to 364 vessels, according to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform.

The latest figures extend a rebound in contracting activity that began over the summer, following a relatively slow start to 2026.

LNG remained the clear favorite in October, accounting for 30 new orders, including 18 containerships and 12 car carriers. Another 19 orders were recorded for LPG carriers, while four ammonia-fueled car carriers were added to DNV’s database.

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