Shipping’s $180 Billion Push Into Dual-Fuel Ships Shows No Signs of Slowing

The global liner shipping industry’s investment in alternative-fueled vessels continues to accelerate, with the combined fleet of dual-fuel containerships and vehicle carriers surpassing 1,200 vessels delivered or on order, according to new data released by the World Shipping Council.

The industry group’s latest Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard shows 440 dual-fuel vessels now operating worldwide as of March 2026, marking a 65% increase from a year earlier. Another 764 ships remain on order, bringing the combined delivered and contracted fleet to 1,204 vessels representing more than $180 billion in private-sector investment.

The latest figures highlight how container shipping continues leading the maritime