Höegh Autoliners has marked a significant milestone on its path to decarbonisation with the delivery of its first Aurora Class vessel, Höegh Aurora, three years after the design was launched. The vessel delivered at the China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu, China, is designed to reduce carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58 per cent compared to industry standards.

The vessel is set to enter commercial service before the end of this week with a maiden voyage to Japan.

With a capacity to carry 9,100 cars, the Aurora Class represents a substantial leap forward in terms of size and efficiency. The vessel is equipped with dual-fuel engines, capable of operating on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulfur oil. Importantly, it is also the first pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) to be certified as ‘ammonia ready’ and ‘methanol ready’, positioning it as a frontrunner in the industry’s transition to cleaner fuels.

This groundbreaking vessel is part of Höegh Autoliners’ broader fleet renewal program, which aims to introduce 12 new multi-fuel-ready vessels into its fleet. The company’s vision is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, and the Aurora Class is a crucial step towards this ambitious goal.

“Today, shipping accounts for around 3 per cent of all global emissions. 90 per cent of shipping emissions come from deep-sea transportation. That is a big global problem that needs to be addressed now,” the company said.

Commenting on the delivery, Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, said, “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.”

The first Aurora vessel, Höegh Aurora, will start commercial operations immediately. The Aurora Class can carry up to 9,100 cars and is designed to transport Electric Vehicles on all 14 decks. The vessels feature 1,500 square meters of solar panels on the top deck, reducing electricity production from generators by up to 30-35 percent. They are also capable of using electric shore power for emissions-free port operations.

The first Aurora Class vessels will be running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels, and low-sulfur oil. From 2027, the aim is that the last four of the 12 Aurora Class vessels will be running on clean, green ammonia. Reducing emissions by close to 100 per cent.

The Aurora Class from Höegh Autoliners is increasing the demand for ammonia as a viable, zero-carbon maritime fuel. Höegh Autoliners has already partnered with several of the world’s leading ammonia producers to ensure the supply and usage of green ammonia. These partners include Yara Clean Ammonia, Norwegian North Ammonia, Sumitomo Corporation, and more.

All vessels are being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI), to be classed by DNV and registered under the Norwegian flag. Höegh Autoliners expect the delivery of two Aurora Class vessels every six months until the first half of 2027, with the option of ordering another four ships.