Höegh Autoliners and Svitzer have joined forces to bring Svitzer’s innovative EcoTow solution to Australia. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as Höegh Aurora, the world’s most environmentally friendly car-carrier vessel, makes its maiden voyage Down Under. The initiative aligns with both companies’ ambitious decarbonization strategies, demonstrating a shift towards cleaner, greener shipping practices in the region.
EcoTow, Svitzer’s proprietary carbon insetting solution, is designed to drastically reduce CO2 emissions from towage operations. During Höegh Aurora’s visit to Australian ports, the system achieved an impressive near 100% reduction in emissions by leveraging biofuel-generated carbon credits. These credits, validated by external auditors, effectively neutralize emissions, creating a carbon-neutral towage process.
Towage is traditionally one of the most significant contributors to port emissions in Australia. Svitzer has been addressing this challenge head-on through innovative measures, including the use of biofuels and plans for battery-powered tugs. The EcoTow partnership is a testament to these efforts, offering a viable path toward decarbonizing Australia’s maritime operations.
Höegh Aurora itself represents a new standard in vessel design, with multi-fuel capabilities that cut carbon emissions per car transported by an impressive 58% compared to industry norms. The adoption of EcoTow for its Australian operations underscores Höegh Autoliners’ commitment to achieving its net-zero emissions goal by 2040. Sebjørn Dahl, Chief Operations Officer at Höegh Autoliners, emphasized the importance of the partnership, calling it a “significant step” toward their sustainability objectives.
Beyond this immediate success, Svitzer is setting the stage for even more transformative developments. The company recently announced the construction of the world’s first battery-electric methanol hybrid tug, designed to enable carbon-neutral towage for the majority of its operations. This cutting-edge vessel aligns with the broader ambitions of Green Ports and Green Shipping Corridors, ensuring that ports and shipping lines can support sustainable trade routes.
Videlina Georgieva, Svitzer’s Managing Director for Australia, lauded Höegh Autoliners for its forward-thinking approach and leadership in maritime decarbonization. She also highlighted the pressing need for stronger policy support to accelerate bioenergy and electrification solutions across the industry. Georgieva’s comments underscore the vital role public and private partnerships play in driving sustainability initiatives in the maritime sector.
Höegh Aurora’s maiden voyage to Australia, which began in late December 2024, included stops at Fremantle, Melbourne, Port Kembla, and Brisbane. The ship’s cargo of vehicles destined for the Australian automotive market symbolizes the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology with essential commercial operations.
