Höegh Autoliners to Install BYD Batteries on Ammonia-Powered Vessel Aurora No. 12
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Höegh Autoliners signed an agreement with Chinese battery manufacturer BYD to install a marine battery system on board its upcoming car carrier Aurora No. 12. The agreement, signed on Monday during the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkey, combines battery storage, solar panels and a shaft generator with ammonia propulsion. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in May 2028 and will be able to run on ammonia from the moment it leaves the shipyard.
Statements from the Shipping Company
Höegh Autoliners CEO Andreas Enger stated that the company is combining every available green technology on a single vessel capable of operating on ammonia from day one, something he said no one had achieved before on a deep-sea car carrier. Chief Operating Officer Sebjørn Dahl added that the company aims to push technology to its limits in order to learn what can be achieved by combining the best green solutions.
Emissions Reduction
According to Höegh Autoliners, the integrated system of batteries, shaft generator and solar panels will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year, in addition to lowering fuel costs. The company noted that the technology can also help offset the challenge posed by the higher cost of green ammonia compared with conventional marine fuels.
The Aurora Program
Aurora No. 12 is part of Höegh Autoliners' Aurora-class newbuilding program at the China Merchants Heavy Industry shipyard in China. Each vessel in this class can carry up to 9,100 vehicles and, according to the company, cuts carbon emissions per vehicle transported by up to 58% compared with conventional ships. This development follows an order placed in August for six additional Aurora-class vessels, bringing the program to 18 units, with options that could expand the fleet to 26 ships. The vessels are fitted with Everllence engines, Kongsberg Maritime bridge systems and DNV class notations ready for ammonia and methanol.
BYD's Position
BYD stated that the partnership with Höegh Autoliners aims to demonstrate the potential of its containerized battery technology applied to deep-sea shipping.
