International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has reported a growing preference among maritime leaders for liquefied natural gas as the sector adopts a more cautious approach to fuel choices while awaiting regulatory clarity on global decarbonisation rules.

Findings from the ICS Barometer 2024–2025, published in the latest edition of ICS Leadership Insights, point to what the organisation described as a shift towards “conservative risk management” in alternative fuel strategies. LNG was ranked by respondents as the most viable marine fuel option for the coming decade.

ICS said confidence in LNG is being underpinned by its established infrastructure and expanding global bunkering network, particularly in major hubs such as Singapore and Rotterdam.

While methanol and ammonia continue to attract interest as future fuels, industry leaders flagged high production costs and safety concerns as ongoing barriers to large-scale uptake. According to the survey, respondents believe these fuels are unlikely to scale without binding global regulations.

Hydrogen and biofuels saw a decline in perceived viability compared with last year’s survey, with supply chain constraints and energy density challenges cited as limiting factors.

Beyond fuel technology, the Barometer also highlighted workforce readiness as a key constraint on the transition. ICS noted that widespread adoption of alternative fuels will require significant upgrades in training and competencies to manage new, more volatile energy systems safely.

The findings come as the industry awaits a postponed vote on the net-zero framework at the International Maritime Organization, now expected to take place in the autumn.

ICS has now opened its Barometer 2025–2026 survey, gathering anonymous input from senior figures across shipping, ports, insurance, legal services and manufacturing. The survey will close on 27 February, with a full report due later this year.