Höegh Autoliners has celebrated the naming of its sixth Aurora-class vessel in commercial operation at Sweden’s leading port. With a capacity of 9,100 car equivalent units (CEU), the Höegh Moonlight joins Höegh Autoliners’ series of 12 next-gen pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). The Aurora class plays a central role in the company’s ambition to reach zero emissions by 2040. All are classed by DNV and fly the Norwegian flag. The fifth sister vessel, the Höegh Sunrise, was named at Omaezaki Port in Japan in June this year.
The 12 vessels of the Aurora class are designed from the keel up to transition to clean fuels, with the first eight powered by LNG via dual-fuel engines. They are also ammonia-ready with reinforced decks and an integrated tank developed by TGE Marine at the heart of the design, enabling straightforward conversion to run on clean ammonia in the future.
The final four units in the Aurora new-building program, scheduled for delivery from 2027, are dual-fuel vessels able to operate on ammonia from day one. The eight first dual-fuel LNG powered vessels are estimated to deliver 58% lower emissions per transported car compared to the industry average.
“The naming of Höegh Moonlight demonstrates our strong commitment to decarbonizing deep-sea shipping – not in the future, but right now, today,” said Höegh Autoliners CEO Andreas Enger. “These vessels are not concepts; they are working, sailing answers to one of the most urgent challenges in our industry. I would like to thank Jenny Westermark for graciously sponsoring the vessel.”
“The Höegh Moonlight reflects the transformation we are leading across the maritime sector,” added Höegh Autoliners COO Sebjørn Dahl. “From the speed of delivery to the scale of innovation on board, these vessels demonstrate what can be achieved when ambition meets action. We are grateful to our partners, crew and global team for making this possible – together, we’re building more than vessels, we’re helping to shape a cleaner, smarter future for global trade.”
“The naming of the Höegh Moonlight marks more than the arrival of a vessel; it’s a celebration of our close collaboration with key customers and our shared commitment to sustainable, high-quality transport solutions,” said CSO Oskar Orstadius. “We are proud to strengthen these partnerships in a port that plays an important role in our global network, and we would also like to express our sincere appreciation to our agent in Sweden, Scandinavian Shipping and Logistics, who has represented Höegh Autoliners with dedication for more than 20 years.”
“With the introduction of these new Höegh vessels, that connection can now be made in an even more efficient and climate-smart way than before. The Port of Gothenburg is committed to becoming a leading bunkering hub for alternative fuels in Northern Europe, and Höegh stands as a strong example of a frontrunner showing that our initiatives as a port are moves in the right direction,” added Port of Gothenburg CEO Göran Eriksson.
The port aims to reduce carbon emissions by 70%, at sea, in the terminal areas and on land, by 2030.
In related news, Incat Crowther has been selected by Port Houston to design a new hybrid-electric tour vessel for Houston Ship Channel tours
