Höegh Autoliners marked a significant milestone today with the delivery of its second Aurora Class vessel, the Höegh Borealis, during an official naming ceremony at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s shipyard in Jiangsu, China. This landmark event is part of the company’s ambitious new build program, which seeks to transform global shipping through enhanced sustainability and innovation.
The Höegh Borealis will soon set sail on its maiden voyage, boasting impressive environmental credentials. The vessel is designed to reduce carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58%, a substantial leap from the current industry average. The Aurora Class vessels are the world’s largest and most eco-friendly Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs), playing a pivotal role in Höegh Autoliners’ pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2040.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was present at the ceremony, underscoring the importance of this global effort. In his remarks, Mr. Støre lauded Höegh Autoliners for its pioneering approach to reducing emissions in the maritime sector. He emphasized that the Aurora Class will initially operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG), with the potential to transition to green ammonia as technology advances. Støre highlighted that the ships are also equipped with solar panels and shore-power capabilities, signaling a future of zero-emission operations.
This new addition to Höegh Autoliners’ fleet isn’t just a technological achievement; it’s a symbol of international collaboration. From Norwegian expertise to partnerships with entities in China, Germany, Korea, Finland, and beyond, the Aurora Class is a global effort to redefine shipping for a greener future. Leif O. Høegh, Chairman of the Board at Höegh Autoliners, emphasized this point, praising the cross-border cooperation that made the Aurora Class possible.
The Aurora Class boasts an impressive capacity, able to transport up to 9,100 cars across 14 decks, including Electric Vehicles (EVs), with strengthened decks and enhanced ramp systems designed specifically for this purpose. These vessels are the first in the PCTC sector to be “ammonia ready” and “methanol ready,” preparing them for the future of carbon-neutral fuel usage.
With shipping responsible for approximately 3% of global emissions, Höegh Autoliners aims to lead the industry’s charge toward sustainable solutions. The Aurora Class is poised to address the emissions challenge posed by deep-sea transportation, which contributes 90% of shipping emissions. As CEO Andreas Enger noted, the Aurora Class represents a game-changing shift toward sustainability in the shipping industry.
Höegh Autoliners is also committed to meeting the growing demand for zero-carbon fuel, partnering with several of the world’s leading ammonia producers. These partnerships are designed to ensure the availability and adoption of green ammonia in the near future, helping the company achieve its net-zero emissions goal.
Sebjørn Dahl, COO of Höegh Autoliners, expressed gratitude to the employees and partners involved in the swift construction of the second Aurora vessel. He reiterated that the Aurora Class is the centerpiece of the company’s green fleet renewal, meeting the needs of an increasingly environmentally conscious customer base.
Höegh Autoliners plans to take delivery of two new Aurora Class vessels every six months until 2027, bringing the total to 12 vessels, all built by China Merchants Heavy Industry and flagged under Norway’s NIS registry.
