The global fleet capable of operating on alternative fuels is expected to reach 1,000 ships by the end of 2025, due to an unprecedented number of new deliveries of dual-fuel ships from shipyards worldwide.
According to a recent analysis by Lloyd’s List, citing data from DNV Alternative Fuel Insight (AFI), 2025 is expected to be a record year, with a total of 285 new dual-fuel ships delivered to their owners, while seven conversions for dual-fuel operations are underway.
This number represents a significant increase of 48% compared to the 198 dual-fuel ships delivered in 2024.
LNG dominates
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) continues to dominate as a fuel, accounting for around 75% of new dual-fuel ships to be delivered this year, according to Lloyd’s List, with the remainder being ships using methanol.
LNG has been characterized as a transitional fuel in the green transition, that is, on the path from conventional fuels to clean ones.
However, the medium-term measures announced at the IMO MEPC 83 and expected to be approved next October do not support major investments in dual-fuel ships with LNG.
At the same time, the analysis of the data resulting from the medium-term measures has caused intense concern among executives of the Greek ocean-going shipping industry.
