The Aurora Class

Our Aurora Class will be the largest and most environmentally friendly PCTC ever built, further accelerating our decarbonization efforts and setting a new standard for more sustainable deep-sea transportation

Through nearly a century at sea, Höegh Autoliners has been a beacon of innovation, leading the maritime transportation sector into the future.

Our Aurora Class may be our most significant innovation yet. One that will transform deep-sea shipping and the transportation of cars, breakbulk, and heavy machinery across oceans.

With these vessels, we challenge sceptics by demonstrating the feasibility of transitioning from conventional fuel to sustainable alternatives, reshaping the narrative of deep-sea shipping within only a few years.

Being the first in the PCTC segment to receive DNV’s ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations, the Auroras will also be the first to be ready to operate zero-carbon ammonia propulsion with the main engine delivered by MAN and the bridge system supplied by Kongsberg Maritime.

Through partnerships with world-leading ammonia distributors, we are driving the industry towards a net zero future and creating demand for sustainable fuels to accelerate transition!

Capable of carrying up to 9,100 CEUs, these multi-fuel-ready vessels are designed for future cargo. And for reducing the carbon footprint of our customer's value chain.

Cutting carbon emissions per car transported by 58% from the current industry standard, the Auroras are the crown jewels of our ground-breaking green fleet renewal program.

The Aurora Class is a monumental leap towards the 2040 net-zero emissions goal, which we are wholeheartedly committed to achieving. They represent the future of our company and the entire industry. With our Auroras, we are sailing for sustainability.

We have 12 Aurora vessels on order - and the possibility of another four. All contracted with the Norwegian flag and DNV-class. The first Aurorawas delivered in August 2024, commencing commercial operations in August 2024.

By the first half of 2027, all twelve Auroras will be delivered and in operation, equipped with engines primed to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulfur oil. These vessels can be converted to run on Ammonia. Notably, we have secured access to MAN's groundbreaking ammonia 2-stroke engines for installation on the vessels.

With their strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems, the vessels will be able to carry Electric Vehicles on all 14 decks - while at the same time offering enhanced flexibility for heavier project cargo.

The design includes 1500 square meters of solar panels on the top deck and will also be primed to embrace electric shore power for emissions-free port operations.

aurora class

Portrait of the Aurora class: Designing the future of the maritime industry

The future is looking both green and bright for Höegh Autoliners with the launch of the new Aurora class vessels design – and the signing of firm contracts for the delivery of the first eight Aurora vessels already by first half of 2026.
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Höegh Autoliners boat

Leif O. Høegh: “Sustainability is our strategy”

For Höegh Autoliners the vision and goal of a zero-emissions future is not about compliance, but about sustainable leadership, says Chair of Höegh Autoliners, Leif O. Høegh.
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Höegh Autoliners boat

Höegh Autoliners is sailing for sustainability

With our almost 100 years of maritime experience, Höegh Autoliners’ roots are Norwegian, but our perspective is global. And green. Sustainability is very much at the core of our operations.
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Want to know more about our fleet?

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News and Articles

11 September 2024

Norwegian Prime Minister Attends Naming Ceremony of World’s Largest and Most Environmentally Friendly Car Carrier

Höegh Autoliners’ second Aurora Class vessel, the Höegh Borealis, was delivered today at a grand naming ceremony in China. The groundbreaking new build program from Höegh Autoliners is a remarkable example of global collaboration and a testament to what can be achieved when best-in-class companies from all over the world come together across industries, borders, and cultures.

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06 August 2024

The Future is Here: The World’s Largest and most Environmentally Friendly Car Carrier in the industry named today.

Three years after launching the Aurora Class design, the first Aurora vessel, Höegh Aurora, was delivered at a naming ceremony at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu, China, today. A groundbreaking and transformational vessel setting new standards for sustainable deep-sea shipping.

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25 June 2024

Day of the Seafarer 2024

Each year, on the 25th of June, we celebrate the Day of the Seafarer. The 2024 campaign is all about #SafetyTipsAtSea. We’ve asked our Seafarers what they do to keep the maritime sector a safer workplace.

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