Oslo, Norway | January 14, 2026 – Höegh Autoliners has officially joined the World Shipping Council (WSC) as a strategic member, marking a significant step in strengthening the representation of the global liner shipping industry, particularly within the vehicle carrier and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) segment.
The membership brings together one of the world’s leading vehicle logistics providers with the principal global trade association representing liner shipping, at a time when the industry faces increasing regulatory, environmental, and operational complexity.
Expanding Representation of Vehicle Carriers in Global Policy Dialogue
Welcoming the announcement, Joe Kramek, President & CEO of the World Shipping Council, highlighted the importance of vehicle carriers within global trade flows.
“We are pleased to welcome Höegh Autoliners to the World Shipping Council. Vehicle carriers are a core part of liner shipping that move global trade. Höegh Autoliners brings valuable expertise and perspective as we work with policymakers on safety, sustainability and effective global regulation.”
Vehicle carriers operate scheduled liner services similar to container shipping, forming a critical backbone of global supply chains. Their inclusion strengthens WSC’s engagement with regulators on issues ranging from maritime safety and fuel transition to emissions regulation and trade facilitation.
Commitment to Zero-Emission Deep-Sea Shipping
Commenting on the development, Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, emphasized the company’s long-term strategy focused on decarbonisation and commercially viable clean shipping.
“Throughout the years, Höegh Autoliners has invested decisively in a commercially viable cleaner future through our Aurora Class newbuild project, positioning us as an industry leader in the next chapter of zero-emission deep-sea shipping.”
The Aurora Class newbuild programme represents a cornerstone of Höegh Autoliners’ sustainability roadmap, designed to operate on future low- and zero-carbon marine fuels. As global trade patterns evolve and regulatory pressure intensifies, Enger underscored the importance of globally aligned policies.
“Liner shipping needs policies that work globally. Joining the World Shipping Council reflects our commitment to working with peers and policymakers to help shape practical global regulatory frameworks that support both economic competitiveness and long-term sustainability.”
Liner Shipping: Backbone of Global Trade
Each year, approximately two-thirds of the value of global trade is transported by liner ships. The World Shipping Council represents over 90% of global liner shipping capacity, encompassing container shipping, vehicle carriers, and RoRo services.
These scheduled services are fundamental to maintaining resilient supply chains, ensuring the reliable movement of goods ranging from automobiles and heavy machinery to essential consumer products and industrial inputs.
Through its members, WSC actively collaborates with governments and international organisations to promote safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable shipping, aligning industry practices with global climate and trade objectives.
About World Shipping Council
The World Shipping Council is the united voice of liner shipping, working with policymakers and industry stakeholders to shape the future growth of a socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, safe, and secure shipping industry.
WSC is a non-profit trade association with offices in Brussels, London, Singapore, and Washington, D.C. Its members include the world’s leading container and vehicle carriers.
Around 80% of everything we buy has travelled by sea at some point. WSC members make global trade possible by providing cost-efficient and reliable transport for goods ranging from raw materials, food, and machinery parts to essential consumer products such as medicines, clothing, and electronics.
About Höegh Autoliners
Höegh Autoliners is a leading global provider of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ocean transportation services. The company transports cars, high and heavy machinery, and breakbulk cargo across major trade routes worldwide.
Annually, Höegh Autoliners carries approximately 1.6 million car equivalent units (CEU), in addition to a wide range of rolling and static cargo. The company is investing heavily in next-generation vessel technologies, including its Aurora-class newbuild programme, aimed at enabling operations on future low- and zero-carbon marine fuels and supporting the maritime industry’s energy transition.
Source: Höegh Autoliners