Design of new vessels
The most effective way of controlling the environmental footprint is to ensure that the vessel design takes this into account from the keel and up. During 2015-2016, we took delivery of six new vessels built on an environmentally smarter design – the New Horizon. These vessels have the capacity to carry more cargo than traditional vessels and the design team has focused on energy efficiency throughout the design process. Therefore, these new vessels emit only half of the CO2 per unit transported compared to a conventional car carrier.
Modifications of Existing Vessels
An already-built vessel can be modified to reduce its impact on the environment. Höegh Autoliners has deployed an extensive program to identify possible actions. Several vessels have received new bulbous bows that significantly reduce water resistance. We have furthermore optimised the propellers on many vessels, to obtain better energy efficiency. All our vessels are also subject to regular hull cleaning and propeller polishing to reduce drag and improve energy efficiency.
Green Recycling
With a dedication to the environment, health and safety, it is in line with our business model to end the service of our old vessels in a manner that is safe for both humans and the environment.
Our commitment to green and responsible recycling of vessels is based on the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships that was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009. When we decide to take older vessels out of service, they are dismantled under strict requirements in approved shipyard facilities. This ensures that the vessel is recycled in a safe and environmentally friendly manner under controlled conditions.
Green Ship Recycling
Höegh Autoliners executes the disposal of old vessels in a manner that is safe for both humans and the environment. All obsolete vessels, sailing and declared a total loss, are recycled based on the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. Vessels are dismantled under strict requirements in approved shipyard facilities. Any recycling yard selected must comply with the Höegh Autoliners Supplier Code of Conduct.
In working with qualified Ship Recycling Facilities, there are established management systems, procedures and techniques which do not pose health risks to the workers or have a negative impact on the local community. By choosing established ship recyclers who have facilities that handle toxic waste responsibly and ensure proper safety procedures that protect workers, Höegh Autoliners maintains its strict safety standards when recycling vessels.
Since committing its first vessel to green recycling in 2009, the Group has only disposed of ships through green recycling. The recycling facility is required to be certified in accordance with:
- “Statement of Compliance” in accordance with the 2009 Hong Kong Convention and the IMO 2012 “guidelines for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling” (Issued by an IACS member Classification society).
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management systems
- ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety
- ISO 9001 Quality Management
Höegh Autoliners did not recycle any ships in 2022.
