LNG Overtakes Methanol in Newbuild Orders as Major Carriers Shift Strategies

dual-fuel vessels, notably omitting 'methanol-readiness' from its announcement. Meanwhile, Pacific International Lines (PIL) marked the first call of an LNG-powered vessel in Saudi Arabia, part of a broader strategy involving 18 new LNG dual-fuel ships. Market data shows LNG-capable container vessels rising from 195 in February 2024 to 347 by July 2025, now accounting for over 40% of all container orders, while methanol-capable ships have seen much slower growth. The shift is driven by established LNG infrastructure, immediate regulatory compliance, and lingering uncertainty around truly green fuels. As regulation and technology evolve, the industry watches closely to see if LNG is a mere interim solution or the definitive choice for decarbonization.