Svitzer, a global leader in towage services, has partnered with Höegh Autoliners, a renowned global provider of ocean transportation services, to deliver Svitzer’s first EcoTow solution in Australia. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in sustainable maritime operations, supporting Höegh Aurora, the world’s most environmentally friendly car carrier, during its maiden voyage to Australian ports.
EcoTow: A Game-Changing Decarbonisation Solution
Svitzer’s EcoTow is a proprietary carbon insetting solution that has enabled a near 100% reduction in CO2 emissions associated with the towage of Höegh Aurora at four Australian ports. This innovative approach offsets carbon emissions from towage operations using biofuel credits generated from Svitzer’s global towage activities. The carbon-neutral effect is verified by an external auditor and documented through certification and assurance reporting.
Towage operations are among the largest contributors to carbon emissions in Australian ports. Svitzer is addressing this challenge through its comprehensive decarbonisation strategy, which includes using biofuels and developing battery-powered tugs.
Höegh Aurora: A Pioneer in Green Shipping
Höegh Aurora is a state-of-the-art, multi-fuel-capable vessel that reduces carbon emissions per car transported by 58% compared to the industry standard. Its maiden voyage to Australia highlights Höegh Autoliners’ commitment to sustainable operations and aligns with their 2040 net-zero emissions goal.
Sebjørn Dahl, Chief Operations Officer at Höegh Autoliners, stated “Höegh Autoliners is whole-heartedly set on achieving our 2040 net-zero emissions goal, and the EcoTow agreement with Svitzer on the Höegh Aurora’s visit to Australia illustrates our ongoing commitment in meeting these goals. We are proud to have secured the first-ever, low-carbon towage service in Australia.”
Future Innovations in Decarbonisation
Svitzer continues to lead in maritime sustainability with its recent contract for the world’s first battery-electric methanol hybrid TRAnsverse tug. This groundbreaking vessel will deliver carbon-neutral towage for most of its operations, supporting ambitions for green ports and shipping corridors.
Videlina Georgieva, Managing Director for Svitzer Australia, remarked “This is an exciting step forward for decarbonising shipping in Australia – and a demonstration of the significant contribution maritime can make toward a Net Zero future. Svitzer is committed to reducing emissions and achieving fully carbon-neutral operations by 2040.”
Höegh Aurora’s Impact on Australian Ports
During its December 2024 maiden voyage, Höegh Aurora transported vehicles to the Australian retail market, calling at Fremantle, Melbourne, Port Kembla, and Brisbane. The collaboration with Svitzer’s EcoTow solution underscores the vessel’s role in advancing maritime decarbonisation while meeting customer demands for sustainable logistics.
About Höegh Autoliners
Höegh Autoliners is a global leader in ocean transportation solutions, committed to reducing its carbon footprint. Operating some of the world’s greenest Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs), the company pioneers sustainable deep-sea shipping. With 12 net-zero ammonia-ready Aurora Class vessels on order, Höegh Autoliners is driving the industry toward a greener future.
About Svitzer
Founded in 1833, Svitzer is a leading global towage provider with nearly 200 years of expertise. Serving approximately 2,000 customers across 141 ports and 40 terminals in 37 countries, Svitzer operates a fleet of 456 vessels to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable port and terminal operations worldwide.
Source Svitzer