Höegh Autoliners has named its sixth Aurora-Class vessel, the Höegh Moonlight, in a ceremony at the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden. The vessel was sponsored by Mrs. Jenny Westermark, Senior Vice President of GTO Production Logistics at Volvo Group. The naming ceremony underscores the close partnership between the two companies and their shared commitment to decarbonizing the maritime industry.
The Aurora-Class Vessels
The Höegh Moonlight is the sixth vessel in Höegh Autoliners’ flagship series of 12 next-generation pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). These vessels, with a capacity of 9,100 car equivalent units (CEU), are designed to be among the most environmentally friendly car carriers ever built. They are estimated to reduce emissions by 58% per transported car compared to the industry average.
Key features of the Aurora-Class vessels include:
- Dual-fuel engines: The first eight vessels are powered by LNG, which is a cleaner-burning fuel than traditional marine oil.
- Ammonia-ready design: These vessels are built with a reinforced structure and an integrated tank that will allow for a “straightforward conversion” to run on clean ammonia in the future.
- Ammonia-powered: The final four vessels, scheduled for delivery from 2027, will be capable of operating on ammonia from day one.
The Aurora-Class fleet is central to Höegh Autoliners’ ambitious goal of achieving zero emissions by 2040.
Port of Gothenburg’s Green Strategy
The naming event took place at the Port of Gothenburg, which is a leading partner in the maritime industry’s green transition. The port has set a goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 70% by 2030. To achieve this, it is investing in:
- Shoreside power: Allowing vessels to shut down their engines while in port.
- Green shipping corridors: Developing routes for low- and zero-emission vessels.
- Electrification: Investing in infrastructure to support electric vehicles and equipment.
- Future fuels: Focusing on developing the infrastructure for alternative fuels like green hydrogen and ammonia.
The collaboration between Höegh Autoliners and the Port of Gothenburg demonstrates a joint effort to drive the industry toward a sustainable and low-carbon future.
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Source: Hoegh Autoliners
