Ordering activity for alternative-fuelled vessels reached its highest monthly level since October 2024, according to data from classification society DNV’s AFI platform, as reported by Ship & Bunker. A total of 52 vessels were ordered in August, with LNG-fuelled ships dominating the tally.
LNG Leads the Way
According to Ship & Bunker, citing Kristian Hammer, product manager for AFI and senior consultant at DNV, LNG-fuelled vessels made up the bulk of August’s orders, with 46 vessels added to the database. Container ships accounted for 30 of these LNG orders, while car carriers contributed another 12, Hammer said in a LinkedIn post cited by Ship & Bunker.
Beyond LNG, the month also saw diversification in fuel types. Ship & Bunker reports that four ethanol-fuelled and two hydrogen-fuelled bulk carriers were added to the AFI platform in August, alongside one LNG bunkering vessel.
Building on a Strong July
August’s results follow a similarly active July, when 47 alternative-fuelled vessels were recorded on the AFI platform, according to Ship & Bunker. Taken together, the two months signal a marked increase in ordering momentum following a slower start to 2026.
Year-to-date, alternative-fuelled vessel orders have reached 242, representing a 27% increase compared to the same period in 2025, Ship & Bunker reports. LNG continues to lead as the dominant alternative fuel choice, accounting for 63% of all orders recorded so far this year. Within LNG-fuelled orders, container ships represent 59% of activity, while car carriers make up 30%, according to the DNV data cited by Ship & Bunker.
DNV’s AFI platform tracks alternative-fuel adoption trends across vessel types, fuel categories, and broader developments in the maritime energy transition, as noted by Ship & Bunker.
Does This Matter to You?
The continued rise in LNG-fuelled newbuild orders, particularly among container ships and car carriers, points to sustained demand growth for LNG bunkering infrastructure and supply capacity in the years ahead. Bunker suppliers, port operators, and fuel traders tracking the long-term energy transition may find this data useful for gauging where alternative fuel demand is concentrating by vessel segment.
The inclusion of ethanol and hydrogen-fuelled newbuilds, though still limited in number, also reflects ongoing diversification in fuel pathways that could shape future bunkering options. The direct near-term operational impact of these order figures is not detailed in the source material.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
