Meeting customers’ wish for sustainable solutions and a greener future

“Just like us, our customers and partners focus very much on sustainability, electrifying their products, and decarbonising their supply chain. The last two years we have reached many impressive milestones when it comes to creating a greener and more sustainable future for deep sea shipping.”

He points to the launch of the Aurora Class design as well as the signing of contracts to secure the delivery of the first eight Aurora vessels by the first half of 2026. With the option of another eight on hand.

He also points to Höegh Autoliners’ first carbon-neutral voyage in March of last year, when the Horizon vessel Höegh Trigger ran on advanced biofuels from Europe to South Africa, meeting the highest sustainability standards.

“The successful trial voyage proved that biofuel is a viable choice for vessels in our fleet and that we can contribute significantly to decarbonising the maritime industry today, while new vessel technologies evolve. Both we, our partners, and our customers have high ambitions to combat climate change, and we are working closely towards greener solutions,” Oskar Orstadius says.

The largest and most environmentally friendly car carriers

The Aurora Class vessels will be the first in the PCTC segment to receive DNV’s ammonia and methanol-ready notations with the main engine provided by MAN and the bridge system supplied by Kongsberg.

In addition, the Aurora will be ready to receive electric shore power for zero-emission operations while a vessel is at port.

By being the largest (capacity to carry up to 9,100 cars) and most environmentally friendly car carriers ever to be built, our Aurora new building program is a definitive step in our commitment to a net zero emissions future by 2040.

The Aurora class has been designed with flexibility in mind enabling us to be the first mover to use ammonia as the main fuel as soon as it is available for deep-sea operations. The Auroras represent the future of our business and that of our industry.

A definitive step towards zero

Höegh Autoliners has an ambitious goal of achieving net zero by 2040 and its zero carbon-ready Aurora class vessel is a definite step in this direction.

“We’ve been in the shipping industry for close to 100 years, always trying to be one of the innovators of the industry. We know our customers’ cargo is evolving, and we want to ensure our vessels can carry larger and heavier cargo but also transport it the most environmentally friendly way,” says Oskar Orstadius.

Designed for future cargo, the Aurora Class’ strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems enable Electric Vehicles on all decks and provide more flexibility for heavier project cargo.

The vessels will have DNV’s “ammonia ready” and “methanol ready” notations and be the first in the segment to run on carbon neutral ammonia.

“We have ambitious plans to get to zero by 2040, and with the delivery of the first Aurora class vessels already by 2024 we are well on our way to achieving this. These vessels will lead the way towards achieving net zero emissions in deep sea transportation and support our customers in decarbonising their supply chain,” Oskar Orstadius concludes.