Höegh Autoliners Orders Six Aurora Class Vessels with LNG Propulsion by 2031

Höegh Autoliners announced the order of six additional new Aurora class vessels, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ready for carbon neutrality, with delivery scheduled for the period 2029-2031.

This decision will expand Höegh Autoliners' new Aurora class vessel construction program to a total of 18 units, all of which will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI).

Höegh Autoliners has also secured an option to build four additional vessels under the same conditions, as well as space reservations for another four vessels at the same shipyard.

"The vessel purchase options can be exercised within six months, while the four space reservations are held for the company, with notification no later than December 31, 2027. This decision allows Höegh Autoliners to accelerate its green fleet renewal program, with flexibility to extend it to a total of 26 Aurora vessels, including the 12 already delivered or ordered," the company detailed in a public statement.

Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, stated that "the new Aurora class vessels have demonstrated great earnings potential, excellent carbon emission performance, cargo flexibility, and future-proof conversion capability. Thanks to our newbuilding program, we secure capacity costs at a competitive level, which supports profitable operations even during potential periods of lower freight rates."

"The expansion of our fleet strengthens our ability to capitalize on growth in the Asian market and meet changing customer demand, while providing us with greater strategic flexibility, supporting long-term fleet renewal and positioning us to seize commercial opportunities in the coming years," he added.

Aurora vessels will be DNV certified for the use of ammonia and methanol, with the main engine supplied by Everllence and the bridge system supplied by Kongsberg Maritime. With the capacity to transport up to 9,100 cars, the Aurora class reduces carbon emissions by up to 58% compared to conventional PCTCs.