Höegh Autoliners’ newest vessel, the Höegh Sunrise, is en route to Shanghai for bunkering, before continuing to Japan and ultimately Europe. It is the latest addition to the company’s pioneering Aurora-class fleet, which is setting new benchmarks in sustainable vehicle shipping.
Aurora-Class: Largest and Greenest in the PCTC Segment
The Aurora-class ships are pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) with a capacity of 9,100 CEUs (car equivalent units).
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Recognized as the most environmentally friendly car carriers currently sailing.
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Equipped with multi-fuel engines capable of running on marine gas oil (MGO) and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
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Designed for a future transition to zero-carbon fuels (e.g., ammonia and methanol), earning DNV’s ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations — a first in the PCTC segment.
Key Role in Höegh’s Net-Zero Strategy
As part of the company’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, Aurora-class vessels are expected to:
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Reduce carbon emissions per transported car by 58% compared to the industry standard.
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Utilize shore power while docked, allowing cargo operations to proceed with zero emissions at port.
Delivery Timeline and Fleet Expansion
The twelve-unit Aurora-class fleet is expected to be fully delivered by mid-2027. So far:
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Höegh Aurora and Höegh Borealis were delivered in August and October 2024.
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Höegh Australis and Höegh Sunlight joined in January 2025.
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Höegh Sunrise is currently en route and will soon be operational.
Commercial Success and Industry Adoption
Shortly after receiving its fourth Aurora-class ship, Höegh Autoliners secured two long-term transport contracts with major international car manufacturers:
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One contract is valid until April 2029.
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The second spans two years, with an optional two-year extension.
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Both contracts were signed at favorable market rates, underlining strong industry confidence in the Aurora-class fleet.
With the Aurora-class vessels, Höegh Autoliners is demonstrating leadership in green shipping by combining technical innovation, fuel flexibility, and sustainability, supporting a wider industry transition toward low- and zero-emission maritime logistics.
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Source: OFFSHORE ENERGY
