Norwegian Shipping Group Orders Green Dual-Fuel Propulsion Vessels from China
Key Ideas
  • Norwegian shipping group Höegh Autoliners orders 12 newbuild dual-fuel propulsion vehicles from China, ready for transition to green fuels for net-zero emissions.
  • The Aurora-class vessels are equipped with dual-fuel engines to run on LNG and low-sulfur fuel oil initially, with plans to transition to green ammonia in the future.
  • The vessels are the first in the PCTC segment to receive DNV's ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations, with capabilities to reduce carbon emissions significantly.
  • Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, emphasizes the company's commitment to achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 through a progressive pathway from LNG to green ammonia.
The Norwegian shipping group, Höegh Autoliners, has made a significant investment in renewing its fleet by ordering 12 newbuild pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels from China with dual-fuel engines. These Aurora-class vessels are designed to initially operate on LNG and low-sulfur fuel oil, with the flexibility to transition to green ammonia in the future. The first vessel, Hoegh Aurora, was delivered in Q2 2024 and commenced commercial operations in August 2024. The remaining ships from the order will be capable of running on ammonia and will be delivered starting in 2027. Notably, these vessels are the first in the PCTC segment to be designated as ammonia-ready and methanol-ready by DNV, showcasing their advanced environmental credentials. With the ability to reduce carbon emissions per car transported by 58%, the vessels align with Höegh Autoliners' goal of achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. CEO Andreas Enger highlighted the company's strategic approach of starting with LNG and transitioning to green ammonia, emphasizing the importance of building vessels that can adapt to future green fuel technologies. The Aurora-class ships also feature solar panels for emissions-free port operations and are equipped to carry electric vehicles across multiple decks, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and innovative transportation solutions. Enger's presentation at the Green Hydrogen Organisation & SASHA Maritime Decarbonisation Roundtable underlines the shipping industry's shift towards sustainable practices and the importance of multi-fuel ready vessels in achieving zero emissions.
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