Höegh Autoliners’ second Aurora Class vessel, the ‘Höegh Borealis’, has been delivered from the China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu, China.
The newbuild programme from Höegh Autoliners is an example of global collaboration and a testament to what can be achieved when global companies come together across industries, borders, and cultures.
When Höegh Borealis leaves on her maiden voyage, she will be cutting carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58% from the current industry average. From 2027, the Aurora class vessels will be powered by green ammonia, eliminating nearly all carbon emissions, helping Höegh Autoliners’ towards it 2040 net-zero emissions goal.
The vessels – the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly PCTCs – will improve what is already considered the most sustainable PCTC fleet afloat.
At the naming ceremony of the Höegh Borealis, Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre said: “It was both impressive and instructive to see how Höegh Autoliners is making shipping more environmentally friendly through new and green technology. The ship will initially run on LNG but can transition to ammonia when the technology is mature. In addition, this ship features solar panels and can connect to shore power, allowing it to operate with zero emissions in the future. Norwegian businesses can deliver world-class green technology. They are helping to build the solutions of tomorrow.”
Höegh Autoliners chairman, Leif O. Høegh said: “The Aurora series of pioneering car carriers sets a course for a sustainable deep-sea transportation industry. Through extensive collaborations between companies from all over the world, the Aurora Class sets a new standard for improved emissions in the industry. The Höegh Borealis and the Aurora Class is a striking example of what can be achieved when industry leaders from Norway, China, Germany, Korea, Finland, Australia – and many more – come together across industries, borders, and cultures. And it underscores the importance of pooling our collective expertise and resources.”
The Aurora Class has a capacity of up to 9,100 cars, and with strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems, the vessels can carry electric vehicles on all 14 decks. All Auroras will have DNV’s ‘ammonia ready’ and ‘methanol ready’ notations, being the first in the PCTC-segment to be able to operate on carbon-neutral ammonia.
Andreas Enger, CEO Höegh Autoliners said: “With the Aurora Class we are sailing for sustainability, 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. As the largest and most environmentally friendly PCTCs ever built, the Aurora Class vessels are the change our industry needs.
Höegh Autoliners has already partnered with several ammonia producers to ensure the supply and usage of green ammonia – these include Yara Clean Ammonia, Norwegian North Ammonia, and Sumitomo Corporation.
Sebjørn Dahl, COO of Höegh Autoliners said: “We have built yet another Aurora Class vessel at record speeds thanks to the exceptional effort from our employees and partners, whom I sincerely thank. The Aurora Class is the crown jewel of our ground-breaking, industry-transforming green fleet renewal programme. These vessels meet the demands of our growing number of carbon-conscious customers seeking emission reductions and sustainable transportation. Together, we will not rest until we achieve net zero operations.”
Höegh Autoliners expects the delivery of two Aurora Class vessels every six months until 2027, taking the total number of Aurora Class vessels to 12. All are being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI), classed by DNV and registered under the Norwegian NIS flag.
Image: Naming of ‘Höegh Borealis’ (source: Höegh Autoliners)
