World’s Largest & Most Eco-Friendly Car Carrier Christened At China’s CMHI

Höegh Autoliners has officially christened the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly pure car and truck carriers, the Höegh Aurora, introducing the Aurora class.

The ceremony was held at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu, China.

The Aurora class is a key component of the company’s ambitious green fleet renewal initiative, which aims to set new standards for sustainable deep-sea transportation and represents a significant advancement in maritime sustainability.

Each vessel in this class can transport up to 9,100 cars and features enhanced capabilities for carrying electric vehicles across all 14 decks due to its strengthened decks and advanced internal ramp systems.

The fleet’s design features 1,500 square meters of solar panels on the top deck, reducing electricity production from generators by 30-35 per cent and supporting future-ready electric shore power capabilities for emissions-free port operations.

Höegh Autoliners will initially operate the Aurora vessels on liquified natural gas (LNG), biofuels, and low-sulfur oil to achieve its 2040 net-zero emissions target.

The fleet will switch to carbon-neutral ammonia in 2027, reducing carbon emissions per car carried by up to 58% compared to the current industry standard.

The vessels will be the first in the PCTC segment to operate on ammonia, with the final four ships in the series planned to run entirely on this green fuel.

Höegh Autoliners’ CEO, Andreas Enger, emphasized the Aurora Class’s role in the company’s sustainability efforts, stating that they are pioneering efforts to combat pollution in a hard-to-abate segment.

The Aurora Class vessels are outfitted with cutting-edge technology, including enhanced safety and digitalization solutions provided by a consortium of partners, including Kongsberg Maritime, DNV, DeltaMarin, MAN Energy Systems, and others.

The first vessel, Höegh Aurora, will begin commercial operations immediately, with two more Aurora Class vessels scheduled to arrive every six months until the first half of 2027.

Leif O. Høegh, Board Chair of Höegh Autoliners, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the initiative. He added that the Aurora Class is one of their most significant innovations.

In addition to its environmental goals, Höegh Autoliners has committed to using green ammonia in at least 5% of its deep-sea operations by 2030, utilizing 100,000 metric tons by that year.

Reference: Höegh Autoliners

World’s Largest & Most Eco-Friendly Car Carrier Christened At China’s CMHI appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News