‘World’s largest and most environmentally friendly’ PCTC is here

The first of twelve multi-fuel Aurora-class vessels ordered by Norway-based shipping company Höegh Autoliners, Höegh Aurora, was named and delivered at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu, China.

Höegh Aurora has a capacity of up to 9,100 cars. With its strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems, the vessel can carry electric vehicles on all 14 decks.

The vessel’s multi-fuel engine can run on marine gas oil (MGO) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). With modifications, the vessel can transition to using future zero-carbon fuels including ammonia or methanol.  

According to the shipowner, the ship is the first in the PCTC segment to be able to operate on carbon-neutral ammonia. Höegh Aurora is setting new standards for sustainable deep-sea shipping, being the ‘world’s largest and most environmentally friendly PCTC’, Höegh Autoliners said. It will use electric shore power for emissions-free port operations.

The PCTC was floated out of the drydock in January this year, while the sea trials for the unit started this June.

On August 8, 2024, the ship will commence commercial operations and begin her maiden voyage to Japan. By incorporating these innovative, eco-friendly technologies, the Norwegian shipping company hopes to achieve carbon emissions reduction per car transported by up to 58 percent from current industry average.

“With Höegh Aurora and the Aurora Class, we are pioneering efforts to combat pollution in a hard-to-abate segment. The Aurora Class embodies the change our industry needs,” CEO, Andreas Enger, said.

“We have progressed from the initial idea to having the finished vessel in commercial operation in under four years—a record speed that attests to the exceptional effort from our employees and partners. Together, we will not rest until we achieve net zero operations,” Sebjørn Dahl, COO of Höegh Autoliners stated.

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.  Höegh Autoliners has secured committed financing for all of the ordered Aurora-class vessels on attractive terms.

The newbuilding program is expected to be crucial in realizing the company’s ambition to be a net-zero emissions operator by 2040.