Alternative-propulsion container ships poised to claim majority of TEU capacity

The global container ship fleet is on the verge of a symbolic and operational tipping point. Vessels powered by LNG, methanol, or fitted with exhaust scrubbers are about to carry more cargo capacity than conventionally-fuelled vessels, as per a report by Alphaliner.

It explained:

Conventional propulsion still dominates by sheer numbers with 4,847 ships, or roughly 74% of the global fleet, run on traditional fuel oil. 

LNG-powered ships make up just 3% of the fleet (195 vessels), methanol-powered ships — barely 0.5% (32 vessels), and scrubber-fitted vessels account for 22.5% (1,473 vessels). 

The real shift, however, lies in the TEU capacity of the fleet. At the start of July, conventionally powered container ships accounted for 16.1 m TEU — exactly half of the world’s container capacity. 

LNG-powered ships contributed 7.2% (2.3 m TEU), methanol-powered ships held 1% (~0.3 m TEU), and scrubber-fitted ships commanded the remaining 41.7% (13.4 m TEU).

The current orderbook breakdown reveals the real game-changer:
* LNG: 347 ships on order, totalling 5.2 m TEU
* Methanol: 194 ships on order, totalling 2.5 m TEU
* Scrubber-fitted: 148 ships on order, adding m TEU

These newbuilds are also, in many cases, ULCS Megamax-class vessels exceeding 18,000 TEU. As they hit the water, the low-emission and alternative-propulsion segment is set to overtake conventional tonnage in TEU share for the first time in history — a defining milestone in container shipping’s energy transition.

 

 

 

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