Höegh Autoliners taps Kongsberg for propulsion upgrade of 10 PCTCs

Norwegian technology company Kongsberg Maritime has scored a contract to provide propulsion upgrades for Höegh Autoliners’ ten pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs).

Each of the ten PCTC vessels will be fitted with Kongsberg Maritime’s Promas Lite propulsion system, which has been developed specifically for retrofitting and improving propulsion systems on existing vessels.

According to the company, Promas Lite integrates the fixed pitch propeller, hub cap, bulb, and rudder into one propulsive unit, to increase efficiency and fuel savings.

The vessel upgrades for Höegh Autoliners’ DSME Class PCTCs are projected to achieve fuel savings of at least 6.5%, according to detailed hydrodynamic studies conducted at Kongsberg Maritime’s Hydrodynamic Research Centre.

This prediction has been validated by full-scale measurements taken from two vessels already refitted with the Promas Lite system, which confirmed the anticipated efficiency gains.

“We’re thrilled that Höegh Autoliners has chosen Kongsberg to deliver an upgrade solution that aligns with our shared commitment to sustainability, reducing fuel consumption, and lowering CO2 emissions. The Promas Lite propulsion system provides an efficient upgrade option, offering significant energy savings and a quick return on investment,” Klas Nygren, Aftermarket Senior Sales Manager at Kongsberg Maritime said.

Kongsberg Maritime also secured an additional contract to deliver critical components for the new Aurora class vessels.

These components include the K-Bridge navigation system, K-IMS system for emission monitoring and reporting, K-chief engine control system, and the PROMAS propulsion system.

“Höegh Autoliners is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint. An important factor of this is to consistently strive to improve our vessel performance by adopting the most energy-efficient solutions from highly qualified and dedicated suppliers. Our partners at Kongsberg Maritime are helping us drive this vision forward with their Promas Lite propulsion system,” Sebjørn Dahl, COO at Höegh Autoliners stated.

Höegh Autoliners is actively working to decarbonize its entire fleet. The development of the Aurora class vessels is a key part of this initiative.

The first ship in this class, Höegh Aurora, was named and delivered at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu, China. With a capacity of up to 9,100 cars, the Aurora-class vessels will be ‘the world’s largest’ car carriers ever built, according to the company.

They will be the first zero-carbon vessels in our industry able to run on ammonia by 2027. The company highlighted that these vessels will set a new standard for more sustainable deep-sea transportation within the PCTC segment.