Höegh Autoliners says that although its roots are Norwegian, its perspective is global, and green, with sustainability very much at the core operations.
The company’s vision is to not just talk about being green in 10- or 20-years’ time, but to act on it, now. Every day there is a focus on reducing emissions from the existing fleet, with all improvements, however small, counting on the path to zero. Since 2008, fuel efficiency ihas improved significantly and is well on track to meeting IMO’s 2030 target of 40% improvement.
Höegh Autoliners’ clear ambition is to reach net zero by 2040, and with that in mind an extensive green fleet renewal programme has been initiated with the launch of the zero-carbon ready Aurora Class vessel design. These will be the first in the PCTC segment to receive DNV’s ammonia and methanol ready notations with main engine provided by MAN and bridge system supplied by Kongsberg. The design includes 1500m2 of solar panels. In addition, the Aurora will be ready for receiving electric shore power for zero emission operations while in port.
By being the largest (capacity to carry up to 9,100 cars) and most environmentally friendly car carriers ever to be built, the Aurora newbuilding programme is considered a definitive step to a net zero emissions future. The Aurora class has been designed with flexibility in mind enabling use of ammonia as the main fuel as soon as it is available for deep sea operations.
CEO Andreas Enger said: “We want to be the preferred green partner in deep sea shipping. We are constantly looking for new ways to reduce both our own and our customers’ carbon footprint and this is yet another concrete and decisive step. We are committed to building a more sustainable maritime industry in close collaboration with our partners and customers.”
Delivery of the first two Aurora Class vessels is scheduled for the second half of 2024, with expected delivery of two more Auroras every six months through to the first half of 2026, eight in total. The company retains options for another eight Auroras – all of which will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry, Jiangsu (CMHI).
