LNG retrofits surge as maritime industry seeks short-term carbon reduction solutions

New LR report highlights both progress and persistent challenges in equipping existing vessels to meet ambitious emissions reduction targets.

Lloyd’s Register’s (LR) latest Engine Retrofit Report reveals that while the maritime industry has made strides in its ability to execute ship engine retrofits for alternative fuels, a critical lack of supply-side incentives threatens to delay progress.

Since LR’s initial report in 2023, the industry has seen the completion of the first methanol fuel conversions since 2015 and a continued expansion of shipyards with retrofit capabilities.

However, the new report emphasises that the incentives needed to accelerate the adoption of alternative fuels are evolving at a slower pace. Despite regulatory drivers such as the EU’s FuelEU Maritime and Emissions Trading System (ETS), which impose penalties for carbon emissions, demand for alternative fuels remains low due to an absence of strong incentives for fuel producers.

A surprising development in 2024 was the resurgence of LNG retrofits as shipowners sought immediate carbon reductions to navigate regulatory requirements. More than 305 LNG-fuelled ships were ordered last year, accounting for approximately 14% of newbuilding orders, significantly outpacing methanol and ammonia alternatives.

While LNG offers a near-term compliance solution, the report warns that deeper emissions reductions will be necessary beyond the next decade. Methane emissions and the long-term availability of bio- and e-LNG remain challenges, but with zero-emission fuel supply chains still in their infancy, many operators see LNG as the most viable retrofit option today.

Supply chain readiness is another important factor highlighted in the report. It warns that without improved coordination between engine manufacturers, fuel system suppliers, and shipyards, lead times for conversion projects could stretch beyond 18 months. On the regulatory front, recent amendments to the MARPOL Annex VI NOx Technical Code are expected to ease certification challenges for converted engines.

Another significant issue identified in the initial report was the limited capacity of shipyards capable of undertaking alternative fuel conversions. While the number of capable yards has increased (around 16 shipyards, mainly in China and the Middle East), the latest report identifies current retrofit capacity at approximately 465 vessel conversions annually—well below the projected peak requirement of over 1,000 conversions per year.

Despite a slow evolution of new retrofit orders in 2024, engine designers are proactively preparing for future market demands. The relatively shorter lead time for retrofit projects than newbuilds mean that more projects for completion in 2026 and 2027 could be announced in 2025.

In response to the initial report that identified shipyard capability as a potential obstacle to retrofits, LR has developed a methodology for evaluating potential shipyard candidates. This provides shipowners with confidence that chosen partners can fulfil retrofit project requirements.

Claudene Sharp-Patel, LR’s Global Technical Director said: “LR’s new Engine Retrofit Report demonstrates that while technology and regulations are evolving, decisive action is needed to secure the future fuel landscape. The technology and shipyard capacity to retrofit vessels is improving, but without decisive action to scale up alternative fuel supply chains, shipowners will face increasing compliance costs and operational uncertainty. We need greater regulatory clarity and investment to bridge the gap between ambition and action.”

Download the Engine Retrofit Report 2025 update here: https://www.lr.org/en/knowledge/research-reports/2025/applying-alternative-fuels-to-existing-ships/ 

About Lloyd’s Register

Trusted maritime advisors, partnering with clients to drive performance across the ocean economy.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.

Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.

We also provide advisory services and digital solutions, supporting fleet and voyage performance and optimisation.

Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 30,000 vessels, following the acquisition of OneOcean in 2022 and Ocean Technologies Group in 2024.

In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.

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