Alternative Fuelled Vessel Orders Surge 57% as Bunkering Infrastructure Lags Behind

## Alternative Fuelled Vessel Orders Surge 57% as Bunkering Infrastructure Lags Behind Orders for alternative fuelled vessels have jumped 57% this year, according to new figures from classification society DNV, signalling accelerating industry commitment to decarbonisation — but the pace of newbuilding activity is outstripping the development of the infrastructure needed to support it. The data, reported by Seatrade Maritime, underscores a growing tension at the heart of shipping's energy transition: shipowners are placing orders for vessels capable of running on fuels such as LNG, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen at an unprecedented rate, yet the bunkering networks required to service these ships at scale remain underdeveloped across many of the world's major ports. Lloyd's Register has raised particular concern over port readiness, questioning whether global bunkering infrastructure can keep pace with the rapid influx of alternative fuelled tonnage entering the fleet. Without adequate fuelling facilities, operators of next-generation vessels risk being unable to realise the environmental and commercial benefits that motivated their investment in the first place. ### A Fleet Outpacing Its Fuel Supply The 57% year-on-year increase in alternative fuelled orders reflects both tightening regulatory pressure — including the IMO's revised greenhouse gas strategy and the EU's FuelEU Maritime regulation — and growing commercial confidence in cleaner propulsion technologies. Methanol-capable vessels and LNG-powered tonnage continue to account for the largest share of orders, though ammonia-ready designs are gaining traction as the industry looks toward longer-term decarbonisation pathways. However, the infrastructure gap identified by Lloyd's Register is not a new concern — it is one that has persisted throughout the energy transition debate. Bunkering availability for alternative fuels remains highly concentrated in a handful of progressive ports, leaving large portions of global trade routes without reliable access to the fuels these vessels are designed to consume. ### Industry Implications For port authorities and terminal operators, the message is clear: investment in alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure must accelerate in parallel with fleet renewal, or the industry risks creating a generation of vessels that cannot operate as intended. For shipowners and charterers, the infrastructure gap introduces operational risk that must be factored into newbuilding decisions and voyage planning. The findings reinforce calls from across the industry for coordinated public and private investment in bunkering hubs, as well as greater regulatory clarity to give fuel suppliers the confidence to commit capital to infrastructure development. As the orderbook for alternative fuelled vessels continues to grow, the pressure on ports and fuel suppliers to close the readiness gap will only intensify in the months ahead.