Anchors aweigh – 400 dual-fuel ships take to the seas

According to information released by the World Shipping Council (WSC) in its Dual Fuel Fleet Dashboard which tracks the global liner shipping industry’s investments in new ships, there are 400 dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers on the water in operation, up from 218 in 2024.

Its Dual Fuel Fleet Dashboard reflects a statistical picture of how global maritime fleets are preparing for the energy transition. Latest information shows that the number of dual-fuel ships on order has continued to grow, reaching 726 vessels and representing 76% of vessels on order.

1,126 dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers are now delivered or on order, registering an increase of 28% compared to last year. Future fuel demand is being led by methanol and methane dual-fuel container ships.

Altogether it represents over $150 billion of investment by the linger shipping industry into these new vessels and its steps towards operating ships that produce less carbon emissions.

Global climate regulations are a key lever in incentivising carriers to operate on green fuels and energy providers to invest in new production capacity. The IMO Net Zero Framework agreement sets a target of a 65% reduction in carbon emissions by 2040 and net zero around 2050.

Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager Alexandra Herdman commented: “Logistics UK is encouraged by the information released by the World Shipping Council (WSC) in its Dual Fuel Fleet Dashboard.

“The rapid growth in the global dual-fuel fleet is a clear sign that the shipping industry is moving from ambition to action on decarbonisation.

“Significant investment in methanol and methane-ready vessels shows carriers are preparing for future fuels, but this transition will only succeed if it is matched by the availability of green fuel infrastructure and clear, consistent international regulation.

“The IMO Net Zero Framework is an important step in providing the certainty industry needs to continue investing at scale.”

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