Hoegh Autoliners’ First Aurora Class PCTC Sets Sail

Höegh Autoliners has launched the first Aurora Class pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), Höegh Aurora, at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu, China.

The new vessel aims to set a standard for sustainable deep-sea shipping, targeting a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Höegh Autoliners has advanced its green fleet renewal program with orders for 12 multi-fuel Aurora vessels to support its 2040 net-zero emissions goal. The vessels, designed to operate on carbon-neutral ammonia, will reduce carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58% from the current industry average.

“In 2027, when the Auroras are powered entirely by clean ammonia, they will eliminate nearly all carbon emissions. We are pioneering efforts to combat pollution in a hard-to-abate segment,” said Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners. He credited the Norwegian maritime cluster, trusted partners, and investors for their invaluable contributions to the project.

The first Aurora vessel, Höegh Aurora, will commence commercial operations immediately. With a capacity of up to 9,100 cars and enhanced internal ramp systems, it can carry Electric Vehicles on all 14 decks. The vessels will also feature 1500 square meters of solar panels, reducing electricity production from generators by up to 30-35%, and are primed for emissions-free port operations using electric shore power.

“The Aurora Class is the crown jewel of our green fleet renewal program,” said Sebjørn Dahl, COO of Höegh Autoliners. “These vessels meet the demands of our growing number of carbon-conscious customers seeking emission reductions and sustainable transportation,” he said.

Initially, the Aurora Class vessels will run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels, and low-sulfur oil. By 2027, the aim is for the last four of the 12 Aurora Class vessels to run on clean, green ammonia, reducing emissions by nearly 100%.

Through its membership in the First Movers Coalition, Höegh Autoliners has committed to powering at least 5% of its deep-sea operations with green ammonia by 2030, aiming to run its fleet on at least 100,000 metric tons of green ammonia by that year.

“Together with our partners, we are removing carbon from one of the hardest-to-abate sectors. The Aurora Class is probably our most impactful innovation yet,” said Leif O. Høegh, Board Chair.

All Aurora Class vessels are being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI), classed by DNV, and registered under the Norwegian flag, “NIS”. Höegh Autoliners expects the delivery of two Aurora Class vessels every six months until H1 2027, with the option of ordering another four ships.

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