In a significant milestone for sustainable maritime operations, the first Aurora Class vessel, Höegh Aurora, was officially delivered at a naming ceremony at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu, China. This cutting-edge vessel marks a transformative step for the industry, setting new standards for environmentally friendly deep-sea shipping.
Shipping accounts for around 3 percent of all global emissions, with 90% of these emissions coming from deep-sea transportation. This represents a significant global issue that needs immediate attention. Höegh Autoliners, already operating the world’s most sustainable pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) fleet, has launched a transformational green fleet renewal program, ordering 12 brand new multi-fuel-ready vessels designed for future cargo transportation.
The Aurora Class is a monumental step towards Höegh Autoliners’ 2040 net-zero emissions goal. These vessels represent the future of the deep-sea shipping industry, featuring DNV’s “ammonia ready” and “methanol ready” notations. They will be the first in the PCTC segment capable of operating on carbon-neutral ammonia, cutting carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58 percent from the current industry average.
Andreas Enger: A Monumental Leap Towards Net Zero
Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, emphasized the significance of this achievement “With the Aurora Class, we are pioneering efforts to combat pollution in a hard-to-abate segment. We are setting new standards for sustainable deep-sea transportation, making a significant stride toward our 2040 net zero emissions goal. As the largest and most environmentally friendly PCTCs ever built, the Aurora Class vessels embody the change our industry needs. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the Norwegian maritime cluster, our trusted partners, and our investors. We are grateful for their invaluable contributions to this project.”
The first Aurora vessel, Höegh Aurora, will commence commercial operations immediately. The Aurora Class has a capacity of up to 9,100 cars, with strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems allowing the transport of electric vehicles on all 14 decks. The vessels are designed for future cargo.
Sebjørn Dahl: Meeting the Demands of Carbon-Conscious Customers
Sebjørn Dahl, COO of Höegh Autoliners, highlighted the rapid development of the Aurora Class “We have progressed from the initial idea to having the finished vessel in commercial operation in under four years—a record speed that attests to the exceptional effort from our employees and partners, whom I sincerely thank. The Aurora Class is the crown jewel of our groundbreaking, industry-transforming green fleet renewal program. These vessels meet the demands of our growing number of carbon-conscious customers seeking emission reductions and sustainable transportation. Together, we will not rest until we achieve net zero operations.”
The Aurora Class vessels will initially run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels, and low-sulfur oil, with a goal that the last 4 of the 12 Aurora Class vessels will be running on clean, green ammonia. Reducing emissions by close to 100 percent.
Höegh Autoliners has partnered with several leading ammonia producers, including Yara Clean Ammonia, Norwegian North Ammonia, and Sumitomo Corporation, to ensure the supply and usage of green ammonia. Through its membership in the First Movers Coalition, Höegh Autoliners has committed to powering at least 5% of its deep-sea operations with green ammonia by 2030, aiming to run its fleet on at least 100,000 metric tons of green ammonia by that same year.
Leif O. Høegh: Our Biggest Innovation Yet
Leif O. Høegh, Board Chair, expressed pride in the collaboration behind the Aurora Class “Together with our partners, we are removing carbon from one of the hardest-to-abate sectors. Changing the perception of deep-sea transportation. Together, we are making sustainable shipping doable, accelerating the green transition within our industry and setting a whole new standard for sustainable solutions and services in shipping. Höegh Autoliners have always innovated, explored new ways and changed the future for the better. That is who we are. The Aurora Class is probably our most impactful innovation yet.”
All Aurora Class vessels are being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI), classed by DNV, and registered under the Norwegian flag, «NIS». Höegh Autoliners expects the delivery of two Aurora Class vessels every six months until H1 2027, with the option of ordering another four ships.
The Aurora Class: Leading the Way in Sustainable Shipping
The Aurora Class will be the largest and most environmentally friendly PCTC ever built, further accelerating Höegh Autoliners’ decarbonization efforts and setting a new standard for more sustainable deep-sea transportation. Being the first in the PCTC segment to receive DNV’s ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations, the Auroras will be the first to be ready to operate with zero-carbon ammonia propulsion, featuring main engines designed by MAN and bridge systems supplied by Kongsberg Maritime.
Hoegh Aurora
- Year Built: 2024
- DWT: 25,200
- GT: 83,687
- Cargo Capacity: 9,100 CEU
- Flag: Norwegian
- Max Deck Height: 6.5 m
- Max Door Width: 19 m
- Max Ramp Capacity: 375 MT
- Length Overall: 199.90 m
- Breadth (MLD): 37.8 m
The Aurora Class sets a new benchmark in the maritime industry, driving forward the transition to sustainable shipping and exemplifying Höegh Autoliners’ commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.
Höegh Autoliners
Höegh Autoliners is a leading global provider of ocean transportation services within the Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) segment. and operate a global network of deep-sea trades with Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels. Höegh Autoliners offer our customers safe and secure deep-sea transportation of RoRo cargo such as cars, high and heavy machinery and breakbulk. Each year, Höegh Autoliners transport around 1,6 million car equivalent units (ceu) as well as other rolling and static cargo.
Höegh Autoliners, operating 11 trade routes in global trade systems with approximately 3,000 port calls annually, boasts a fleet of around 40 vessels designed for maximum flexibility. The company serves a diverse range of customers, from global vehicle manufacturers to producers of high and heavy construction equipment, emphasizing its leading position in transporting second-hand vehicles.
With a global presence through 16 local offices and dedicated agencies, Höegh Autoliners prioritizes customer proximity. The company’s commitment extends beyond business to economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship, as it continually strives for sustainable development and energy-efficient solutions.
Source Höegh Autoliners