Despite a sharp downturn in global shipbuilding activity in 2025, LNG continued to anchor alternative fuel investment, helping the segment maintain a strong foothold in the newbuild market, according to DNV’s latest Alternative Fuels Insight data

While overall ordering activity slowed markedly, alternative-fuelled vessels still accounted for 38% of total gross tonnage (GT), with container shipping providing the backbone of demand.

Across all ship types, LNG was the leading alternative fuel in 2025, with 188 orders, while methanol orders fell sharply from 149 to 61 vessels.