April 30, 2021 – Höegh Autoliners is accelerating its decarbonisation efforts to meet its goal of a zero emissions future. The launch of Aurora Class is a crucial step in the company’s sustainability commitment. Designed for 9,100 car equivalent units, it will also be the world’s largest car carrier.

“With the future of cargos and zero carbon fuels in mind, the Aurora vessels is designed for a greener future. It is the most environmentally friendly car carrier ever built. The Aurora Class represents a big step on our path to a zero emissions future” says Höegh Autoliners’ Chief Executive Officer Andreas Enger.

“We have entered a Memorandum of Understanding with our professional and long-term partner Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry. This will make it possible to have the first vessel delivered by the end of 2023” the CEO continues.

Höegh Autoliners has a solid history on emission cuts and long-term efforts to combating climate change. They have since 2008 achieved an improved carbon intensity of 37 per cent in their fleet. This has put them in the forefront in sustainable shipping in the deep-sea RoRo segment.

The Aurora class is designed to transport the cargo of the future. Its strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems enable Electric Vehicles on all decks and provide more flexibility for heavier project cargo.

The Aurora Class’ multi-fuel engine can run on various biofuel and conventional fuels, including LNG. With minor modifications, it can transition to use future zero carbon fuels, including Green Ammonia.

Janne Uotila, the CEO of Deltamarin, says “Deltamarin and Höegh Autoliners have been leading the way for the unique high-end PCTCs and other highly specialised RoRo vessels already for the last 20 years. The Aurora class will be the world’s largest PCTC and able to take future carbon neutral fuels, such as ammonia, which has been considered, for example, in the fuel storage design. Cooperation with Höegh has always been excellent, and it has been our privilege to work alongside with the innovative, responsible, and forward-looking professionals who know their own business thoroughly.”

Being ready for zero carbon fuels and taking advantage of the latest technology on everything from energy optimization to internal ramp systems the Aurora Class will bring decarbonisation and cargo efficiency to a new level. This will reduce Höegh Autoliners carbon footprint and support decarbonising customers’ supply chain.

“We are accelerating our decarbonisation efforts to meet our net zero emissions target by 2040. Together with our customers and trusted partners we will make a significant contribution to a more sustainable maritime industry” concludes Andreas Enger.

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About Deltamarin
Deltamarin Group provides ship design, offshore engineering, and construction support for the marine and offshore industries worldwide. The services include the full range of consulting, design, and engineering as well as procurement, support for construction and installation. The Group employs around 400 experts in its own and associated companies located in Europe and Asia. Deltamarin is part of China Merchants Group. www.deltamarin.com

Höegh Autoliners
Höegh Autoliners is a leading global provider of RoRo (Roll On Roll Off) transportation services delivering cars, high and heavy and breakbulk cargoes across the world. The company operates around 40 RoRo vessels in global trade systems and makes about 3000 port calls each year. Our purpose is to develop innovative solutions for greener and more sustainable deep-sea transportation. We are on a path to a zero emissions future and are working closely with customers and partners to achieve this. Höegh Autoliners has its head office in Oslo, Norway and employs around 350 people in its 16 offices worldwide and 1300 seafarers. www.hoeghautoliners.com