Höegh Autoliners kicks off 2025 with third multi-fuel Aurora-class PCTC delivery

Norwegian shipping company Höegh Autoliners has taken delivery of the third multi-fuel Aurora-class pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) from China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) Haimen Shipyard.

The 9,100 CEU Höegh Australis, a part of a twelve-unit fleet of the “world’s largest and most environmentally friendly” PCTCs, was delivered on January 5, 2025.

The vessel has set sail from the shipyard and will be officially named and commence operations later this month.

Like its sister vessels, Höegh Australis is equipped with 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.

Designed by Deltamarin, the ship is 199,9 meters long and 37.6 meters wide with a carrying capacity of 9,100 vehicles.

The first two Aurora-class vessels, Höegh Aurora and Höegh Borealis, were delivered in August and October last year. Höegh Autoliners anticipates that all Auroras will be delivered and in operation by the first half of 2027.

All vessels will sail under the Norwegian flag and will be classed by DNV.

To remind, twelve multi-fuel Aurora-class vessels were ordered by the Norwegian company as part of a newbuilding program that is expected to be crucial in realizing the 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. 

In addition, the newbuilds are said to be the first in the PCTC segment to receive DNV’s ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations. They 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.