Container ship newbuilding orders hit new high

The drive to have ships running on alternative fuels has pushed the container ship orderbook (newbuilding orders) to a new high of 9.4 million TEU, with orders chiefly made by liner operators, according to Clarksons.

Clarksons research manager Sarah Holden wrote: “‘Green’ fleet renewal has remained a central underlying driver; 73% of containership tonnage ordered this year has been alternative fuel capable (with alternative fuel adoption having become ‘standard’ in the large containership sizes in recent years), comprising 59% LNG capable tonnage, and 14%methanol.