Second multi-fuel Aurora-class PCTC officially joins Höegh Autoliners fleet

Norwegian shipping company Höegh Autoliners has welcomed the second multi-fuel Aurora-class pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), Höegh Borealis, to its fleet.

Höegh Autoliners took delivery of the latest newbuild from China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) on October 16, 2024, following the naming ceremony held in September.

The shipowner shared the milestone via social media update, noting that the multi-fuel PCTC has embarked on its maiden voyage in the wake of its sister vessel, Höegh Aurora, which was delivered in August 2024, under the Norwegian flag.

Höegh Borealis is the second of twelve multi-fuel Aurora-class vessels that the Norwegian company ordered at CMHI as part of a newbuilding program that is expected to be crucial in realizing the company’s ambition to be a net-zero emissions operator by 2040.

The shipowner expects that the PCTCs will be able to cut carbon emissions per car transported by 58% from the current industry standard. 

The vessels in this class have a capacity of up to 9,100 cars and can carry electric vehicles on all 14 decks.

The ships feature multi-fuel engines that can run on marine gas oil (MGO) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). With modifications, the vessels can transition to using future zero-carbon fuels.

Being the first in the PCTC segment to receive DNV’s ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations, the Auroras will also be the first to be ready to operate zero-carbon ammonia propulsion with the main engine delivered by German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) and the bridge system supplied by Norwegian Kongsberg Maritime.