New York, United States | December 10, 2025 – The World Shipping Council (WSC) took center stage at the United Nations today to advocate for the maritime sector during the official launch of the Decade of Sustainable Transport. Representing the united voice of liner shipping, the WSC highlighted the industry’s proactive stance on decarbonization while calling for global cooperation to secure the green fuels of the future.
Table of Contents
Moving Beyond the “Hard-to-Abate” Label
Much of the global discourse surrounding sustainable transport is dominated by visible, land-based solutions like electric vehicles and urban mobility. However, World Shipping Council President & CEO Joe Kramek reminded political leaders and industry representatives that while shipping happens largely out of sight, it remains the backbone of the global economy, carrying approximately 80% of global trade.
Despite being classified as a “hard-to-abate” sector, shipping is already among the most climate-efficient modes of freight transport, accounting for only 2% to 3% of total global emissions. The WSC emphasized that the energy transition in shipping represents a massive opportunity for nations to transition into hubs for renewable marine fuel production and infrastructure.
A $150 Billion Investment in the Future
The highlight of the address was the scale of private sector commitment already underway. Kramek revealed that the liner shipping industry has already placed firm orders for 1,035 dual-fuel vessels scheduled for delivery by 2030.
These vessels are specifically designed to operate on low- and zero-greenhouse gas (GHG) fuels, representing a direct investment of over USD 150 billion. These orders demonstrate that the technology and the capital are already in motion; the missing piece remains the widespread availability of the fuels themselves.
“Liner shipping is investing USD 150 billion to build 1,035 dual-fuel ships by 2030, designed to run on low- and zero-GHG fuels, these are firm orders already placed,” Kramek stated. “We hope the Decade of Sustainable Transport can bring the public and private sectors together to unlock affordable green marine fuels and infrastructure, seizing the economic opportunities of shipping’s decarbonization.”
Global Regulation and the “Ocean Leg”
The WSC stressed that the “ocean leg” of global supply chains must be fully integrated into the work of the UN’s decade-long initiative, which is set to run through 2035. A key component of this success will be effective global GHG regulation via the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
By raising the profile of shipping within the UN framework, the WSC aims to ensure the sector is recognized as a core solution for a sustainable future rather than an afterthought. The goal is to foster a collaborative environment where new resources, partnerships, and policies can accelerate emissions cuts across the entire global supply chain.
Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard as of September 2025
The latest data from the World Shipping Council’s tracking initiative reveals a significant acceleration in the adoption of alternative fuel technologies across the global liner fleet.
The Fleet on the Water The transition is no longer a future concept but an operational reality. The number of dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers in active service has nearly doubled in a single year:
- September 2024: 180 vessels in service.
- September 2025: 353 vessels in service.
- This represents a 96% year-on-year increase in the active dual-fuel fleet.
The Orderbook Boom Beyond the vessels already sailing, the industry’s pipeline is heavily skewed toward green propulsion.
- Total Dual-Fuel Ships by 2030: 1,035 vessels (including those delivered and on order).
- New Orders Growth: The total commitment has grown by 29% in the last 12 months.
- Current Orderbook: 682 dual-fuel vessels are currently under construction or awaiting delivery.
Market Share by Tonnage (DWT) The shift is most pronounced in the high-capacity segments of the industry. When measured by Deadweight Tonnage (DWT), dual-fuel vessels now dominate the orderbooks for major carriers:
- Container Ships: 79% of all newbuild orders by DWT are dual-fuel.
- Vehicle Carriers: 85% of all newbuild orders by DWT are dual-fuel.
- Global Fleet Average: For context, only 14% of the remainder of the global merchant fleet (bulkers, tankers, etc.) has currently opted for dual-fuel specifications.
Capacity and Fuel Trends (TEU) When analyzing by Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU)—the standard measure of container capacity—the industry’s pivot is even clearer:
- 80% of all container ship capacity currently on order is dual-fuel.
- Fuel Preferences: Future fuel demand is currently led by methanol and methane (LNG) dual-fuel systems. While methanol saw a massive surge in 2023–2024, LNG-capable orders remain a dominant share of the 2025 pipeline as carriers balance immediate availability with long-term decarbonization goals.
About the World Shipping Council
The World Shipping Council is a non-profit trade association with offices in Brussels, London, Singapore, and Washington, D.C. Its members are the international container and vehicle carriers that make global trade possible, providing cost-efficient transport for everything from raw materials and food to life-saving medications and electronics.
Source: World Shipping Council