Höegh Autoliners’ second Aurora Class vessel, Höegh Borealis, was delivered last week at a naming ceremony in China. The PCTC vessel, built by China Merchants Heavy Industry, is expected to cut carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58% compared to the industry average on its upcoming maiden voyage, according to Höegh Autoliners.

The ship will initially run on LNG but can transition to ammonia when the technology is mature. In addition, this ship features solar panels and can connect to shore power, allowing it to operate with zero emissions in the future.

“The Aurora series of pioneering car carriers sets a course for a sustainable deep-sea transportation industry. Through extensive collaborations between companies from all over the world, the Aurora Class sets a new standard for improved emissions in the industry. The Höegh Borealis and the Aurora Class is a striking example of what can be achieved when industry leaders from Norway, China, Germany, Korea, Finland, Australia – and many more – come together across industries, borders, and cultures. And it underscores the importance of pooling our collective expertise and resources,” says the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Höegh Autoliners, Leif O. Høegh.

The Aurora Class has a capacity of up to 9,100 cars – and with strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems, the vessels can carry electric vehicles on all 14 decks. All Auroras will have DNV’s “ammonia ready” and “methanol ready” notations. Höegh Autoliners has partnered with several ammonia producers to ensure the supply and usage of green ammonia, including Yara Clean Ammonia, Norwegian North Ammonia, and Sumitomo Corporation. The company expects the delivery of two Aurora Class vessels every six months until H1 2027, taking the total number of Aurora Class vessels to 12. All are being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI), classed by DNV and registered under the Norwegian flag, «NIS».

The first PCTC vessel from the series was delivered in July 2024 and started commercial operation in the beginning of August 2024.

Höegh Autoliners’ second Aurora Class vessel, Höegh Borealis, was delivered last week at a naming ceremony in China. The PCTC vessel, built by China Merchants Heavy Industry, is expected to cut carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58% compared to the industry average on its upcoming maiden voyage, according to Höegh Autoliners.

The ship will initially run on LNG but can transition to ammonia when the technology is mature. In addition, this ship features solar panels and can connect to shore power, allowing it to operate with zero emissions in the future.

“The Aurora series of pioneering car carriers sets a course for a sustainable deep-sea transportation industry. Through extensive collaborations between companies from all over the world, the Aurora Class sets a new standard for improved emissions in the industry. The Höegh Borealis and the Aurora Class is a striking example of what can be achieved when industry leaders from Norway, China, Germany, Korea, Finland, Australia – and many more – come together across industries, borders, and cultures. And it underscores the importance of pooling our collective expertise and resources,” says the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Höegh Autoliners, Leif O. Høegh.

The Aurora Class has a capacity of up to 9,100 cars – and with strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems, the vessels can carry electric vehicles on all 14 decks. All Auroras will have DNV’s “ammonia ready” and “methanol ready” notations. Höegh Autoliners has partnered with several ammonia producers to ensure the supply and usage of green ammonia, including Yara Clean Ammonia, Norwegian North Ammonia, and Sumitomo Corporation. The company expects the delivery of two Aurora Class vessels every six months until H1 2027, taking the total number of Aurora Class vessels to 12. All are being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI), classed by DNV and registered under the Norwegian flag, «NIS».

The first PCTC vessel from the series was delivered in July 2024 and started commercial operation in the beginning of August 2024.