As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) prepares for its crucial emissions meeting, the maritime industry is experiencing a significant slowdown in orders for dual-fuel ships. According to MaritimeHub, only 14 alternative-fueled ships were ordered in September 2025, with no new orders placed in August—a stark contrast to the record-breaking activity seen earlier in the year.
Industry experts attribute this decline to regulatory uncertainty. The tentative emissions framework agreed upon in April 2025 has yet to gain unanimous support, with some member states, led by the United States, calling for revisions or delays. This ambiguity has led shipowners to adopt a “wait-and-see” approach, postponing investment decisions until after the next IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting.
Despite the slowdown, LNG-fueled propulsion remains the preferred choice among the limited number of new orders. Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, emphasized the need for clearer regulatory guidance to restore confidence in investments related to alternative fuels.
As the maritime sector navigates this transitional period, stakeholders are urging the IMO to provide greater clarity to support decarbonization goals and fleet modernization.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
