Oslo, Norway | September 03, 2025 – Höegh Autoliners today celebrated the naming of its sixth Aurora-Class vessel, Höegh Moonlight, at the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden’s largest port and a key hub in the Nordic region. The vessel was sponsored by Mrs. Jenny Westermark, Senior Vice President of GTO Production Logistics at Volvo Group, who performed the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony. A display of sustainable Volvo Group cargo added a spectacular visual highlight to the event.
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Höegh Moonlight Joins Aurora-Class Fleet
With a capacity of 9,100 car equivalent units (CEU), Höegh Moonlight joins the company’s flagship series of 12 next-generation pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). Its sister vessel, Höegh Sunrise, was named earlier this year at Omaezaki Port, Japan.
The Aurora Class represents the most technically advanced and environmentally friendly car carrier series ever built. Designed from the keel up for a low-carbon future, all 12 vessels are capable of transitioning to clean fuels. The first eight vessels are powered by LNG via dual-fuel engines and are “ammonia-ready,” equipped with reinforced decks and integrated tanks designed by TGE Marine for future conversion to ammonia. The final four vessels, scheduled for delivery from 2027, will be dual-fuel and capable of running on ammonia from day one, further advancing Höegh’s commitment to decarbonisation.
The vessels are estimated to deliver 58% lower emissions per transported car compared to the industry average.
Sustainability and Collaboration
Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, said “The naming of Höegh Moonlight demonstrates our strong commitment to decarbonising deep-sea shipping – not in the future, but right now. These vessels are not concepts; they are working solutions to one of the most urgent challenges in our industry. I would like to thank Jenny Westermark for graciously sponsoring the vessel.”
Jenny Westermark, SVP at Volvo Group, added “The partnership between Höegh Autoliners and Volvo Group is not just a business alliance. It’s a shared commitment, a joint force — to drive real, lasting change in our industries.”
Sebjørn Dahl, COO of Höegh Autoliners, noted “The Höegh Moonlight reflects the transformation we are leading across the maritime sector. These vessels demonstrate what can be achieved when ambition meets action. Together with our partners and crew, we are shaping a cleaner, smarter future for global trade.”
Oskar Orstadius, CSO, emphasized “The naming of Höegh Moonlight in the Port of Gothenburg marks more than a vessel’s arrival; it celebrates close collaboration with customers and our commitment to sustainable, high-quality transport. We also thank our long-standing Swedish agent, Scandinavian Shipping and Logistics, for over 20 years of dedicated service.”
Aurora Class: Leading the Industry Toward Zero Emissions
The Aurora Class vessels are central to Höegh Autoliners’ goal of achieving zero emissions by 2040. All ships are classed by DNV and sail under the Norwegian flag.
The first eight dual-fuel vessels are ammonia-ready, while the last four will operate directly on ammonia from delivery. This positions Höegh Autoliners at the forefront of sustainable deep-sea car carrier operations globally.
Port of Gothenburg: Driving Green Shipping
The Port of Gothenburg aims to reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2030, covering port operations at sea, in terminals, and on land. Its strategy emphasizes sustainable value chains, shoreside power, electrification, green shipping corridors, and alternative fuels, developed in collaboration with industry, policymakers, and academia.
Göran Eriksson, CEO of the Port of Gothenburg, said “Höegh’s traffic at the Port of Gothenburg is vital for Swedish industry to access global markets. With these new vessels, this connection is now more efficient and climate-smart. The port is committed to becoming a leading bunkering hub for alternative fuels in Northern Europe, and Höegh is a frontrunner demonstrating the potential of sustainable shipping initiatives.”
About the Port of Gothenburg
The Port of Gothenburg is Scandinavia’s largest port, handling 20% of Swedish trade and over half of the region’s container traffic. Operating 24/7, the port provides direct global connections, climate-neutral rail shuttles, and a full range of services for vehicles, energy products, Ro-Ro, and containerized cargo. Committed to sustainable shipping, Gothenburg is a strategic hub for green trade and alternative fuels in Northern Europe.
About Höegh Autoliners
Höegh Autoliners is a global provider of ocean transportation solutions, focused on reducing its carbon footprint and offering sustainable shipping services. The company operates some of the world’s greenest PCTCs, equipped with fuel-saving technologies, and has 12 firm orders for dual-fuel ammonia-ready Aurora Class vessels (six already in operation). With capacities up to 9,100 cars, the Aurora Class vessels are set to become the largest and most sustainable car carriers ever built, driving the decarbonisation of global supply chains.
Source: Höegh Autoliners