Höegh Autoliners has celebrated the delivery of its second Aurora Class vessel, the Höegh Borealis, in a grand naming ceremony held at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu. This landmark event underscores the company’s commitment to revolutionizing maritime transport through global collaboration and innovative technology.
The Höegh Borealis is a significant advancement in Höegh Autoliners’ groundbreaking new build program. Set to embark on her maiden voyage in a few days, the vessel represents a major leap towards reducing carbon emissions. The Aurora Class vessels, including the Höegh Borealis, are designed to cut carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58% compared to the current industry average. By 2027, the first Aurora Class vessel will be powered by green ammonia, further eliminating nearly all carbon emissions.
The Aurora Class is a pivotal component of Höegh Autoliners’ 2040 net-zero emissions goal. These vessels are not only the largest but also the most environmentally friendly Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) in the world. They epitomize Höegh Autoliners’ transformational new build program aimed at enhancing the sustainability of its fleet.
The naming ceremony was honored by the presence of Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who praised Höegh Autoliners’ green initiatives. “It was both impressive and instructive to see how Höegh Autoliners ASA is making shipping more environmentally friendly through new and green technology. The ship will initially run on LNG but can transition to ammonia when the technology is mature. In addition, this ship features solar panels and can connect to shore power, allowing it to operate with zero emissions in the future. Norwegian businesses can deliver world-class green technology. They are helping to build the solutions of tomorrow,” said Mr. Støre on the Norwegian Government’s website.
Leif O. Høegh, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Höegh Autoliners, emphasized the international collaboration that made the Aurora Class a reality. “The Aurora series of pioneering car carriers sets a course for a sustainable deep-sea transportation industry. Through extensive collaborations between companies from all over the world, the Aurora Class sets a new standard for improved emissions in the industry. The Höegh Borealis and the Aurora Class are a striking example of what can be achieved when industry leaders from Norway, China, Germany, Korea, Finland, Australia, and many more come together across industries, borders, and cultures.”
The Aurora Class vessels boast a capacity of up to 9,100 cars and are equipped with advanced features to support the transportation of Electric Vehicles across all 14 decks. They are the first in the PCTC segment to receive DNV’s “ammonia ready” and “methanol ready” notations, positioning them to operate on carbon-neutral ammonia in the future.
Höegh Autoliners is addressing the critical issue of shipping emissions, with deep-sea transportation responsible for 90% of the sector’s emissions despite shipping itself accounting for around 3% of global emissions. “With the Aurora Class, we are sailing for sustainability, 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 are the change our industry needs,” said Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners.
The Höegh Borealis and its sister vessels will also contribute to the growing demand for green ammonia as a viable zero-carbon maritime fuel. Höegh Autoliners has partnered with leading ammonia producers such as Yara Clean Ammonia, Norwegian North Ammonia, and Sumitomo Corporation to secure the supply and use of green ammonia.
Sebjørn Dahl, COO of Höegh Autoliners, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the Aurora Class. “We have built yet another Aurora Class vessel at record speeds thanks 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.”
Höegh Autoliners plans to deliver two Aurora Class vessels every six months until the first half of 2027, bringing the total number to 12. All vessels are being constructed by China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI), classed by DNV, and registered under the Norwegian flag, «NIS».
Hoegh Autoliners’s Latest Aurora Class Specifications:
- 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: 375 mt
- Length Overall: 199.90 m
- Breadth (MLD): 37.8 m
The Aurora Class will set new benchmarks in maritime sustainability, driving the industry towards a greener future.
Source Hoegh Autoliners