Dual-fuel containership and vehicle carrier fleet passes 1,200 vessels

May 16 ------ The World Shipping Council (WSC) has published its latest update to its WSC Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard, highlighting how the global liner shipping industry is investing in vessels designed to run on renewable and lower-emission fuels, and tracking its progress toward the maritime energy transition.

As of March 2026, the number of dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers on the water has reached 440 – which is a 65% year-over-year increase. Momentum is also building on the order book, which now includes 764 dual-fuel vessels on the way.

These ships dominate new orders in key segments, accounting for 78% of container ships and 94% of vehicle carriers, while making up 17% of orders across the broader fleet. In total, 1,204 dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers are now delivered or on order, representing over $180 billion USD in private investment.

Breaking down the order book

Container ship and vehicle carrier orders are now 78% dual-fuel

• 78% of container ship orders by DWT and;

• 94% of vehicle carrier orders by DWT are for dual-fuel ships.

• 17% of orders for the rest of the fleet by DWT are dual-fuel ships.

Future fuel demand is led by methane and methanol dual-fuel container ship orders

• 78% of container ships orders by TEU are dual-fuel.

• TEU measures the capacity that will move global trade, and an indication of the fuel demand for container ships into the future.

"These vessels are long-term investments built with flexibility in mind. Ships built today will operate for decades, and the ability to operate on different fuel pathways helps reduce risk, strengthen energy security, and support more resilient global supply chains. Continued constructive engagement at the IMO remains essential to provide the global regulatory certainty needed to scale investment in alternative fuels," said Joe Kramek, WSC President & CEO.

Source: safety4sea.com