Höegh Autoliners has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) to build a series of multi-fuel and ammonia-ready Aurora-class pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels.
The first two vessels will be delivered in the second half of 2024. Featuring DNV’s new ammonia-ready notation makes the vessels will be first in the segment that are ready for carbon-neutral ammonia fuels, said Höegh.
Höegh has tasked Deltamarin, which is owned by China Merchant Industry, to design the Aurora-class, which be able to carry up to 9,100 cars. The design includes strengthened decks and an enhanced internal ramp systems that enable electric vehicles on all decks and provide more flexibility for heavier project cargo, added Höegh.
Andreas Enger, Höegh Autoliners ceo, said: “We are excited to have secured delivery of the first Aurora-class vessel already by 2024. It will be the first ammonia-ready vessel in its segment and the largest car carrier ever built. The Aurora class will bring cargo efficiency to a new level and put us in the forefront of sustainable shipping.”
Since 2008, Höegh said it has achieved a reduced carbon intensity of 37 percent across its fleet and is significantly ahead of the global IMO 2030 target of 40 percent reduction. The company’s ambition is to reach a net-zero emissions target by 2040.
