Dual-fuel ship investment surpasses US$200bn

More than 500 dual-fuel ships are operating worldwide as shipping companies expand investment in alternative-fuel vessel technology

More than 500 dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers are now operating worldwide, with investment in vessels delivered and on order exceeding US$200 billion, according to the latest World Shipping Council (WSC) Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard.

As of September 2026, 503 dual-fuel ships were in service, up 41% from 358 a year earlier. A further 849 vessels are on order, bringing the combined fleet delivered or contracted to 1,352 ships designed to use conventional marine fuels or alternatives, including renewable and lower-emission options.

Joe Kramek, president and chief executive of the WSC, said: “The container ship and vehicle carrier industry have committed more than $200 billion to ships that can run on cleaner fuels, with more than 500 already sailing and hundreds more on the way.” He added that commercially competitive alternative fuels were needed to realise the vessels’ emissions-reduction potential.

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