Höegh Autoliners is growing its Aurora class shipbuilding program by ordering six more vessels, bringing the total to 18 ships, with the possibility of expanding to 26.
The Norwegian car carrier company announced that these new ships, which will run on dual-fuel LNG and are ready for zero-carbon operations, are set to be delivered between 2029 and 2031. They will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. in China, just like the rest of the Aurora fleet.
Höegh Autoliners mentioned they secured “very attractive” terms for this repeat order, thanks to their relationship with the shipyard, benefits from economies of scale, and favorable construction costs.
Additionally, the company has options for four more vessels under the same conditions that can be exercised within six months, plus four more construction slots reserved at the shipyard until the end of 2027.
If all options are utilized, the Aurora program could ultimately include 26 vessels.
“The Aurora class newbuilds have shown strong earning potential, low carbon emissions, cargo flexibility, and the ability to be adapted for future needs,” said Höegh Autoliners CEO Andreas Enger.
Enger stated that the new ships will allow the company to grow in Asia and secure competitive vessel costs, protecting against possible downturns in freight rates.
“Expanding our fleet improves our chances to tap into growth in the Asian market and meet changing customer needs. It also offers us strategic flexibility, supports long-term fleet updates, and positions us for future business opportunities,” he added.
Aurora Program Keeps Growing
The Aurora class ships can carry up to 9,100 cars, making them some of the largest pure car and truck carriers globally. Höegh Autoliners claims these vessels can cut carbon emissions per car by up to 58% compared to traditional PCTCs.
The new ships are initially designed to operate on LNG and conventional fuels while still being able to switch to lower and zero-carbon fuels later. They will be fitted to handle DNV ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notes, allowing for future modifications for ammonia propulsion.
Everllence will supply the main engines, and Kongsberg Maritime will provide the bridge systems.
Höegh Autoliners launched the first vessel in the series, Höegh Aurora, in 2024. This move is part of their fleet renewal strategy aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
The class was initially designed with alternative fuels in mind. The ships also have electric shore-power features and extensive solar installations, and their internal ramp systems allow electric vehicles to be carried across all 14 decks.
This latest order greatly expands a program that initially called for 12 Aurora class vessels. With these six new orders, Höegh Autoliners now has 18 ships delivered or on order, with options and reserved construction slots for an additional eight.
Höegh Autoliners previously stated its goal of powering at least 5% of its deep-sea operations with green ammonia by 2030, part of its commitment to the First Movers Coalition.