Höegh Autoliners, a prominent leader in global ocean transportation services, has selected Kongsberg Maritime for a significant upgrade to the propulsion systems on ten of its DSME Class Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels. This strategic decision is set to enhance the environmental performance of Höegh Autoliners’ fleet while contributing to the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
The upgrade involves retrofitting each vessel with Kongsberg Maritime’s advanced Promas Lite propulsion system. Designed specifically for retrofitting and enhancing the propulsion systems of existing vessels, Promas Lite integrates several key components, the fixed pitch propeller, hub cap, bulb, and rudder, into a single, highly efficient propulsive unit. This integration is expected to yield notable improvements in efficiency and fuel savings.
Detailed hydrodynamic studies conducted at Kongsberg Maritime’s Hydrodynamic Research Centre project that these upgrades will result in a minimum fuel savings of 6.5%. This forecast has been corroborated by full-scale measurements from two vessels that have already undergone the Promas Lite refit, validating the anticipated efficiency improvements.
Sebjørn Dahl, COO of Höegh Autoliners AS, emphasized the company’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint “Höegh Autoliners is committed to improving vessel performance through the adoption of the most energy-efficient solutions from leading suppliers. Our collaboration with Kongsberg Maritime, particularly their Promas Lite propulsion system, is a crucial part of our strategy to drive forward this vision.”
In addition to this propulsion system upgrade, Kongsberg Maritime has secured another contract with Höegh Autoliners to provide essential components for the new Aurora Class vessels. This contract includes the K-Bridge navigation system, the K-IMS system for emission monitoring and reporting, the K-Chief engine control system, and the Promas propulsion system, further cementing Kongsberg Maritime’s role as a key supplier for the company.
Klas Nygren, Aftermarket Senior Sales Manager at Kongsberg Maritime, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership “We are thrilled that Höegh Autoliners has chosen Kongsberg Maritime to deliver an upgrade solution that aligns with our shared commitment to sustainability. The Promas Lite propulsion system offers significant energy savings and a quick return on investment, reflecting our dedication to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.”
Höegh Autoliners operates a fleet that covers 11 trade routes with approximately 3000 port calls annually. The company is at the forefront of efforts to decarbonize its fleet, with the Aurora Class vessels playing a pivotal role in this initiative. The Aurora Class vessels are set to be the largest and most environmentally friendly PCTCs ever built and will be the first in the industry to run on ammonia by 2027, setting a new standard for sustainable deep-sea transportation within the PCTC segment.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the partnership between Höegh Autoliners and Kongsberg Maritime exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to achieving greater efficiency and sustainability in vessel operations.
Höegh Autoliners in Brief
Höegh Autoliners is a global provider of ocean transportation solutions committed to reducing its carbon footprint and offering sustainable shipping services. With a focus on high-quality ocean transportation and innovative solutions, Höegh Autoliners supports the decarbonization of its customers’ supply chains. Operating some of the world’s greenest Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC), equipped with fuel-saving technologies, the company is at the forefront of sustainable deep-sea shipping. With twelve firm orders for net-zero ammonia-ready Aurora Class vessels set to sail on Ammonia by 2027, Höegh Autoliners is leading the charge towards a greener maritime future.
Kongsberg Maritime in Brief
Kongsberg Maritime is a leading provider of innovative and reliable solutions across a broad spectrum of maritime sectors. The company delivers cutting-edge technology and services to the merchant marine, offshore, subsea, navy, coastal marine, fisheries, maritime simulation and training, and port and harbour surveillance industries, among others.
Merchant Marine Division: This division specializes in marine automation systems, cargo management solutions, and sensors for measuring levels, temperature, and pressure. Kongsberg Maritime’s technologies are designed to enhance operational efficiency and safety for commercial vessels.
Offshore Division: Kongsberg Maritime provides advanced systems for dynamic positioning and navigation, integrated automation, maritime training simulators, and position reference systems. These solutions are essential for optimizing offshore operations and ensuring precision in challenging environments.
Subsea Division: Focused primarily on the offshore oil and gas markets, the subsea division offers products and services for seabed mapping, surveying, investigations, and defence applications. The division leverages hydroacoustics, sensor technology, advanced signal processing, and underwater engineering to support industries such as fisheries and oceanography.
Kongsberg Maritime’s commitment to innovation is reflected in their comprehensive range of products, which are engineered to meet the highest standards of performance and reliability in diverse maritime applications.
Source Kongsberg Martime