Höegh Autoliners has made a significant stride towards decarbonizing deep-sea shipping with the naming of its fifth Aurora Class vessel, the Höegh Sunrise, in Japan. These Aurora Class vessels are being lauded as the largest and most environmentally friendly car carriers ever built, setting a new benchmark for sustainable deep-sea transportation.
Environment Friendly Shipping
The global shipping industry, responsible for approximately 3% of global emissions with 90% stemming from deep-sea transportation, is under increasing pressure to decarbonize. Höegh Autoliners is stepping up to this challenge with its groundbreaking Aurora Class vessels, marking a significant stride towards a more sustainable future for deep-sea shipping.
The Höegh Sunrise, the fifth vessel in the Aurora Class, was officially named today at Omaezaki Port in Shizuoka, Japan. These vessels, with a capacity of 9,100 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs), are touted as the largest and most environmentally friendly car carriers ever built. They embody a “much-needed transformation and a concrete step toward zero emissions,” proving the technological capabilities possible for the industry.
Höegh Autoliners has set an ambitious target of achieving zero-emission operations by 2040. The Aurora Class is central to this vision and its newbuild program. These vessels are designed to be multi-fuel and “zero carbon ready.” They are initially operating on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and are equipped with engines that can be adapted to run on future zero-carbon fuels. Notably, the Aurora Class vessels are the first in the Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) segment to receive DNV’s “ammonia-ready” and “methanol-ready” notations, signifying their preparedness for a transition to these alternative fuels.
Initial Operations with LNG
The newly named Höegh Sunrise, the fifth vessel in the Aurora Class, demonstrates the immediate impact of this strategy. On its journey from China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) in Jiangsu to Japan, the vessel successfully bunkered LNG fuel in Shanghai. Currently, the Höegh Sunrise and its commercially active sister vessels are already achieving a 58% reduction in carbon emissions per transported car compared to the current industry average.
Looking ahead, a major milestone is anticipated by 2027, when the first Aurora vessel is slated to be ready for direct operation on clean ammonia from the shipyard, allowing for the virtual elimination of all carbon emissions. This aggressive timeline underscores Höegh Autoliners’ commitment to rapid decarbonization.
All Aurora Class vessels are equipped with the capability to connect to the power grid while docked, proudly displayed on their sides. This feature allows them to shut down auxiliary engines and enable zero-emission cargo operations in port, further minimizing their environmental footprint.
Meeting Customer Demands and Driving Fuel Transition
These advanced vessels are designed to meet the rising expectations of carbon-conscious customers who are actively seeking emission reductions and sustainable transportation solutions. By investing in the Aurora Class, Höegh Autoliners is sending a strong demand signal for ammonia as a viable, zero-carbon maritime fuel.
To secure the necessary supply of green ammonia, Höegh Autoliners has already established partnerships with several of the world’s leading producers, including Sumitomo Corporation, Fortescue, Yara Clean Ammonia, and Norwegian North Ammonia, among others. These collaborations are crucial for building the infrastructure and supply chains required for future ammonia-powered operations.
Advanced Design for a Sustainable Future
The Aurora Class vessels incorporate the latest and most advanced maritime technologies, including state-of-the-art safety and digitalization systems. With a substantial capacity of up to 9,100 cars, these vessels are designed with reinforced decks and enhanced internal ramp systems, enabling them to efficiently carry electric vehicles on all 14 decks.
A testament to their future-proof design, all Aurora Class vessels are certified with DNV’s “ammonia ready” and “methanol ready” notations. This makes them the first in the Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) segment capable of operating on carbon-neutral ammonia, highlighting their pioneering role in the industry’s green transition.
Höegh Autoliners expects to receive the delivery of two Aurora Class vessels every six months until the first half of 2027, which will bring the total number of Aurora Class vessels in their fleet to 12. This steady influx of highly efficient and future-fuel-ready ships is central to the company’s ambitious goal of achieving zero-emission operations by 2040.
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Source: Hoegh Autoliners
