Norwegian PM attends Hoegh Borealis naming ceremony

Höegh Autoliners’ second Aurora Class vessel, the Höegh Borealis, was delivered today at a grand naming ceremony in China.

The groundbreaking new build program from Höegh Autoliners is a remarkable example of global collaboration and a testament to what can be achieved when best-in-class companies from all over the world come together across industries, borders, and cultures.

When The Höegh Borealis in a few days leaves the China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu China on her maiden voyage, she will be cutting carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58 percent from the current industry average.

From 2027, the first Aurora class vessel will be powered by green ammonia, eliminating nearly all carbon emissions.
The Aurora Class is a monumental leap towards Höegh Autoliners’ 2040 net-zero emissions goal.

The vessels – the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly PCTCs – are the crown jewel of Höegh Autoliners’ transformational new build program improving what is already the world’s most sustainable PCTC fleet sailing the oceans today.

Today’s naming of the Höegh Borealis was attended by the Norwegian Prime Minister, Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre who praised Höegh Autoliners and the Aurora Class: “It was both impressive and instructive to see how Höegh Autoliners ASA is making shipping more environmentally friendly through new and green technology. The ship will initially run on LNG but can transition to ammonia when the technology is mature. In addition, this ship features solar panels and can connect to shore power, allowing it to operate with zero emissions in the future. Norwegian businesses can deliver world-class green technology. They are helping to build the solutions of tomorrow,” Mr. Støre said on the Norwegian Government’s website.

His attendance and praise underline how the Aurora Class project is a global endeavour for a common cause – and a remarkable example of international collaboration.

“The Aurora series of pioneering car carriers sets a course for a sustainable deep-sea transportation industry. Through extensive collaborations between companies from all over the world, the Aurora Class sets a new standard for improved emissions in the industry. The Höegh Borealis and the Aurora Class is a striking example of what can be achieved when industry leaders from Norway, China, Germany, Korea, Finland, Australia – and many more – come together across industries, borders, and cultures. And it underscores the importance of pooling our collective expertise and resources,” says the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Höegh Autoliners, Leif O. Høegh.

The Aurora Class has a capacity of up to 9,100 cars – and with strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems, the vessels can carry Electric Vehicles on all 14 decks.

All Auroras will have DNV’s “ammonia ready” and “methanol ready” notations. And will be the first in the PCTC-segment to be able to operate on carbon-neutral ammonia.

The Aurora Class will therefore address the worrying fact that while shipping accounts for around 3 percent of all global emissions, 90% of shipping emissions come from deep-sea transportation.
With the Aurora Class, Höegh Autoliners is changing the game.

“With the Aurora Class we are sailing for sustainability, pioneering efforts to combat pollution in a hard-to abate segment. We are setting new standards for sustainable deep-sea transportation, making a significant stride toward our 2040 net zero emissions goal. As the largest and most environmentally friendly PCTCs ever built, the Aurora Class vessels are the change our industry needs,” says Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners.

With the Aurora Class, Höegh Autoliners are raising the demand for ammonia as a viable, zero-carbon maritime fuel.
Höegh Autoliners have already partnered with several of the world’s leading ammonia producers to ensure the supply and usage of green ammonia – these include Yara Clean Ammonia, Norwegian North Ammonia, Sumitomo Corporation and more.

The Aurora Class is equipped with the newest and most modern maritime technology, including state-of-the-art safety and digitalization solutions.

“We have built yet another Aurora Class vessel at record speeds thanks to the exceptional effort from our employees and partners, whom I sincerely thank. The Aurora Class is the crown jewel of our groundbreaking, industry-transforming green fleet renewal program. These vessels meet the demands of our growing number of carbon-conscious customers seeking emission reductions and sustainable transportation. Together, we will not rest until we achieve net zero operations”, says Sebjørn Dahl, COO of Höegh Autoliners.

Höegh Autoliners expect the delivery of two Aurora Class vessels every six months until H1 2027, taking the total number of Aurora Class vessels to 12.