Setting Sail Towards Sustainable Shipping: Höegh Autoliners Names Fifth Aurora Class Vessel Höegh Sunrise

Marking a notable step towards zero-emission deep-sea shipping, Höegh Autoliners recently named its fifth Aurora Class vessel, Höegh Sunrise, in a ceremony at Omaezaki Port in Shizuoka, Japan.

With a capacity of up to 9,100 cars and advanced features like reinforced decks and enhanced internal ramp systems, the Höegh Sunrise is designed to carry electric vehicles on all 14 decks, making it a pioneer in sustainable transportation.

During its journey from China Merchants Heavy Industry’s (CMHI) Jiangsu yard to Japan, the Höegh Sunrise bunkered LNG fuel in Shanghai, showcasing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The Aurora Class vessels are already achieving a 58% reduction in carbon emissions per transported car compared to the industry average.

Höegh Autoliners aims to achieve zero-emission operations by 2040, with all Aurora Class vessels certified as “ammonia ready” and “methanol ready” by DNV, making them capable of operating on carbon-neutral fuels in the future.

Leading the Way Towards Sustainability

Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “With Höegh Sunrise and the Aurora Class newbuilding program, we are leading the way in addressing emissions in a hard-to-abate sector. We are setting new standards for sustainable deep-sea transportation and taking a major step toward our 2040 zero-emissions goal.”

The Aurora Class vessels, equipped with advanced technology from MAN Energy Solutions and Kongsberg Maritime, represent a transformation in the maritime industry towards cleaner operations.

Embracing Zero-Carbon Future

By 2027, Höegh Autoliners plans to power its vessels with clean ammonia, significantly reducing carbon emissions and paving the way for a zero-carbon future in maritime shipping.

The Höegh Sunrise, like all Aurora Class vessels, can connect to the power grid while docked, enabling zero-emission cargo operations in port and meeting the demands of carbon-conscious customers seeking sustainable transportation solutions.

The company has already partnered with leading ammonia producers to secure a supply of green ammonia, signaling a shift towards zero-carbon maritime fuels.

With its innovative approach to sustainability and commitment to reducing emissions, Höegh Autoliners and its Aurora Class vessels are setting a new standard for environmentally friendly shipping.