Hyundai Merchant Marine Orders 14 LNG-Fueled Ships Amid Uncertainty in Maritime Fuel Regulations
Hyundai Merchant Marine has ordered 14 LNG-fueled container ships amid uncertainty in maritime fuel regulations, following a previous order for nine methanol-fueled vessels. The postponement of the IMO's Net Zero Framework vote has created doubt in fuel markets, leading to predictions of a slowdown in new vessel orders favoring conventional designs. Despite challenges, LNG is viewed as a viable future fuel option to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution.
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Hyundai Merchant Marine has ordered 14 new LNG-fueled container ships following a previous order of nine methanol-fueled vessels in 2023. The postponement of the vote on the IMO's Net Zero Framework has led to uncertainty in fuel markets, with experts like Martin Kröger expressing doubt about achieving consensus next year.
Clarksons Research predicts a slowdown in new vessel orders, favoring conventional designs. Despite this, LNG is seen as a practical future fuel that reduces both greenhouse gas and local air pollution.
In October 2025, 30 alternative-fueled vessel orders were placed, with 26 being LNG-fueled. Regulations continue to push for emissions reductions, with companies like WALLENIUS SOL transitioning to bioLNG.
However, concerns around methane slip and the need for transparent comparisons of fuel emissions persist, as highlighted by Fuelre4m. Overall, the shipping industry's path to decarbonization remains uncertain, with many shipowners delaying investments and newbuild orders.
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