Ro-ro shipping specialist Höegh Autoliners has received the first of 12 Aurora-class vessels.
Deemed the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly car carrier ever built, Höegh Aurora was delivered and named at a ceremony at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s (CMHI) yard in Jiangsu. Its maiden voyage to Japan will begin on August 8, 2024.
Per car transported, Höegh Aurora is expected to cut carbon emissions by up to 58 percent from the current industry average. The ship is recognised with DNV ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations.
The first Aurora-class vessels will be running on LNG, biofuels, and low-sulfur oil. From 2027, the aim is that the last four of the 12 Aurora-class vessels on order will run on green ammonia, reducing emissions by close to 100 percent. Through its membership of the First Movers Coalition, Höegh Autoliners has committed, to powering at least 5 percent of its deepsea operations with green ammonia by 2030.
Höegh Aurora has a capacity of up to 9,100 cars and can carry electric vehicles on all 14 of its decks thanks to its strength and enhanced internal ramp systems. Höegh Aurora also boasts 1,500 sq m of solar panels on its top deck, reducing electricity production from the vessel’s generators by up to 30-35 percent. In addition, the ship ready to connect to electric shore power for emissions-free port operations.
Höegh Aurora will be registered and sail under the Norwegian flag. The shipping line expects to take delivery of two ships every six months until the second half of 2027. It retains an option for a further four newbuilds.
