The number of dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers delivered or on order has reached 1,204 vessels, representing more than $180bn in private investment, according to the World Shipping Council.
As of March 2026, 440 dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers were in operation, up 65% year on year, while the orderbook stood at 764 vessels. Dual-fuel ships accounted for 78% of container ship orders, 94% of vehicle carrier orders and 17% of orders across the rest of the fleet.
“These vessels are long-term investments built with flexibility in mind,” said WSC president and chief executive Joe Kramek.
“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.”
Kramek said continued engagement at the International Maritime Organization remains needed to give the sector global regulatory certainty to scale investment in alternative fuels.
The World Shipping Council is an international trade association representing liner shipping companies in regulatory, operational and environmental policy matters affecting containerized maritime transport.
