Alternative fuels held a steady 38 per cent share of global newbuilding tonnage in 2025, driven by containership orders, reports Singapore's Manifold Times.

Norwegian classification society DNV stated that 275 alternative-fuelled vessel orders were placed last year, down 47 per cent from 2024. Overall newbuild activity fell to 2,403 orders from 4,405 the previous year.

Despite the downturn, containership contracting rose to 547 new orders from 447 in 2024, accounting for 49 per cent of gross tonnage and 68 per cent of alternative-fuel orders. Within the segment, the fuel mix was 58 per cent LNG, 36 per cent conventional fuels, and six per cent methanol.

LNG-fuelled vessels led across all ship types, with 188 orders representing 31 per cent of total tonnage. Methanol orders dropped to 61 from 149 in 2024, while ammonia and LPG saw limited uptake.

Orders for LPG and ethane tankers fell by 73 per cent, while bulk carriers and oil tankers also experienced declines. Car carrier orders dropped by 90 per cent after several years of strong activity.

DNV noted that resilience in the alternative fuels orderbook was driven by cargo owners setting emissions reduction goals despite market uncertainty. LNG and methanol were supported by established supply chains and customer demand.

Investment in fuel infrastructure continued, with 22 LNG bunker vessels added alongside new units for methanol and biofuel. Wind-assisted propulsion also grew, with 24 ships delivered in 2025 and 63 sails installed.