WSC reports dual-fuel vessels in container shipping will nearly double by 2025, reflecting strong investment trends ahead of regulations.
According to new data published by the World Shipping Council (WSC), the container shipping fleet utilizing dual-fuel vessels that can benefit from low-emission alternative fuels experienced rapid growth in 2025. The year-end update of the WSC's Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard reveals that shipowners are continuing their investments without waiting for regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Towards the 2050 Net Zero Target
WSC uses the Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard to monitor investments in new vessels capable of operating with renewable and low-emission fuels within the global container shipping sector. The dashboard provides an up-to-date picture of how prepared the sector is for the transition to the 2050 net zero emissions target.
While the IMO continues to seek consensus among member countries on a global framework to manage emissions reduction and fuel transition, WSC data indicates that the sector's appetite for investment remains strong.
Dual-Fuel Fleet Reaches 400 Vessels
According to WSC data, the number of dual-fuel container ships and car carriers reached 400 by the end of 2025. This figure nearly doubles the 218 vessels recorded at the end of 2024. Additionally, there are 726 more vessels in the ordering phase. This situation indicates that despite fluctuations in the transition from the order book to delivery, the share of dual-fuel vessels within the fleet will be maintained.
When considering both the vessels in service and those on order, the number of dual-fuel vessels in the container and car carrier segments is expected to reach 1,126. This represents a total increase of 28% compared to the previous year. WSC emphasizes that this fleet represents an investment of over $150 billion.
Container and Car Carriers Lead the Way
According to the report, container ships and car carriers are clearly leading in the adoption of dual-fuel vessels. These two segments account for 74% of the existing dual-fuel fleet. In terms of orders, 74% of container ship orders and 87% of car carrier orders (by deadweight tonnage) consist of dual-fuel vessels. In other ship segments, 21% of orders (by deadweight tonnage) are placed for dual-fuel vessels.
Multi-Fuel Systems Stand Out in Cruise Ships
Although WSC does not comprehensively report on segments other than container and car carriers, a notable transformation is also occurring in cruise ships. More than 40% of the ordered cruise vessels are designed with multi-fuel systems, primarily LNG, and compatible with future fuels. In terms of gross tonnage, 59% of the orders consist of vessels that will use alternative fuels, while 64% are based on bed capacity.
DNV: Orders for Alternative Fuel Vessels Increasing
According to DNV's analysis of the overall order book, the number of vessels planned for delivery between 2026 and 2033 is 1,138. Of these vessels, 40% are ordered to use alternative fuels. This trend indicates that the number of alternative fuel vessels is expected to nearly double over the next eight years.
Last year, there was a slowdown in methanol demand due to short-term supply concerns; however, the overall trend towards alternative fuels continued. Approximately 40% of all new vessel orders placed in 2025 consisted of alternative fuel vessels.
DNV Global Decarbonization Director Jason Stefanatos stated in a press release on February 2 that this momentum continued through 2026. Stefanatos noted that a total of 20 new orders for alternative fuel vessels were received in January, of which 16 were LNG-fueled container ships, while the remaining orders consisted of one methanol-fueled offshore vessel and three LPG carriers.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
