Höegh Autoliners launches third multi-fuel Aurora-class vessel

Norway-based shipping company Höegh Autoliners has launched the third multi-fuel Aurora-class pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).

The vessel is under construction at China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) in Jiangsu.

“With three vessels under construction at the pier and another three in two different dry docks, we are truly on track and at full speed ahead”, the company said.

This latest milestone comes on the heels of the first sea trials conducted by the first of twelve multi-fuel Aurora-class vessels ordered by Höegh Autoliners at the Chinese shipyard.

Back in January 2022, Höegh Autoliners entered into a contract with CMHI for four fixed and eight optional multi-fuel and zero-carbon ready Aurora-class vessels. The vessels’ multi-fuel engines can run on marine gas oil (MGO) and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

With modifications, the vessels can transition to use future zero-carbon fuels including ammonia or methanol.

The program is progressing at full speed with the option for vessels nine to twelve declared, including an option for installing ammonia engines on these vessels. The company has secured committed financing for all of the ordered Aurora-class vessels on attractive terms.

Recently, the Norwegian maritime player received NOK 109.4 million (about $10.4 million) from government enterprise Enova for four of its ammonia-powered Aurora PCTCs as part of the largest-ever Enova funding round supporting the green maritime transition.