Business, Feature, Freight News, Sea

Höegh Autoliners Launches Aurora Class

[ August 30, 2024   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Höegh Autoliners has launched its first Aurora class vessel, the largest and most environmentally friendly pure car truck carrier, or PCTC, ever built,

            Three years since launching the design, the Höegh Aurora, was delivered at a naming ceremony at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu, China, Aug. 8.

            The Aurora class represents Höegh Autoliners’ transformational green fleet renewal program – 12 new multi-fuel-ready vessels that are the centerpiece of Höegh Autoliners’ 2040 net-zero emissions goal.

            All the Aurora vessels will have DNV’s “ammonia ready” and “methanol ready” notations. And will be the first in the PCTC-segment to be able to operate on carbon-neutral ammonia. The vessels are expected to cut carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58 percent from the current industry average.

            The Aurora class has a capacity of up to 9,100 cars – and with strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems allow electric vehicles on all 14 decks.

            Expected delivery is two vessels each six months through the first half of 2027. Are all being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry and will be classed by DNV and registered under the Norwegian flag. Höegh Autoliners also has an option to order another four ships.

            They will have 1,500 square meters of solar panels on the top deck, reducing electricity production from the generators by up to 30 percent to 35 percent, as well as the vessels being primed to embrace electric shore power for emissions-free port operations.

Giant Leap Towards Net Zero

            Shipping accounts for about 3 percent of all global emissions, and 90 percent of shipping emissions come from deep-sea transportation. Solving this global problem motivated Höegh Autoliners to develop the Aurora class.

            In 2027, when the Auroras are powered entirely by clean ammonia, they will eliminate nearly all carbon emissions in the ro-ro carrier’s push towards sustainability.

            “We are setting new standards for sustainable deep-sea transportation, making a significant stride toward our 2040 net zero emissions goal,” said Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners. “The Aurora Class vessels embody the change our industry needs. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the Norwegian maritime cluster, our trusted partners, and our investors.”

            The Aurora class is equipped with the newest and most modern maritime technology, including leading-edge safety and digitalization solutions.

            “We have progressed from the initial idea to having the finished vessel in commercial operation in under four years – a record speed that attests to the exceptional effort from our employees and partners,” 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.”

‘Most Impactful Innovation Yet’

            The first Aurora class vessels will run on liquefied natural gas, 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, nearly eliminating emissions.

            Höegh Autoliners introduction of the Aurora class raises the demand for ammonia as a viable, zero-carbon maritime fuel. Höegh Autoliners have already partnered with several of the world’s leading ammonia producers to ensure the supply and usage of green ammonia, including Yara Clean Ammonia, Norwegian North Ammonia and Sumitomo Corp.

            Through its membership of the First Movers Coalition, Höegh Autoliners has committed, to powering at least 5 percent of its deep-sea operations with green ammonia by 2030. The goal is to run its fleet on at least 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia by that same year.

            The carrier noted the role of companies involved in the Aurora’s development, including China Merchants Heavy Industries, Kongsberg Maritime, DNV, DeltaMarin, MAN Energy Systems, MacGregor, TGE Marine, Bank of Communications, HD Hyundai and Glamox.

            “Together, we are making sustainable shipping doable, accelerating the green transition within our industry and setting a whole new standard for sustainable solutions and services in shipping, said Lief O. Høegh, board chair. “Höegh Autoliners have always innovated, explored new ways and changed the future for the better. That is who we are. The Aurora Class is probably our most impactful innovation yet.”

Tags: Höegh Autoliners