
Reducing our Environmental Footprint
In Höegh Autoliners, we strongly believe in taking responsibility for the environment in which we operate by taking measures to minimise our impact on the environment.
We take a proactive approach to managing our environmental performance. We consider environmental factors when developing our services and apply an organised approach to mitigate the undesired footprint.
Emissions to Air
Our main emission challenge as a shipping company is emissions to air. To meet this challenge, we commit to use only compliant fuel and focus our efforts on reducing our vessels' fuel consumption. Höegh Autoliners focuses both on more ambitious fuel savings programs and on hull/machinery modifications.
Vessel Life Cycle
The vessel in itself is the most important factor when we address the environmental impact of our services. Therefore, we work to ensure that our vessels are as environmentally friendly as possible, and develop them to minimize their impact through their lifetime from construction via operation to recycling.
Design of new Vessels
The most effective way of controlling the environmental footprint is to ensure that the vessel design take 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 a 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.
Modification 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 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 to both humans and the environment.
Our committed 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.