Höegh Autoliners orders six more Aurora class vessels

Höegh Autoliners has ordered six additional Aurora class vessels as it expands its fleet renewal programme.

The dual-fuel LNG and zero-carbon-ready vessels will be delivered between 2029 and 2031.

The new order will increase Höegh Autoliners’ Aurora class newbuilding programme to 18 vessels.

All vessels in the programme will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) in China.

Aurora programme could grow to 26 vessels

Höegh Autoliners has also secured options for four additional vessels on the same terms.

The company can exercise these options within six months.

In addition, it has reserved construction slots for another four vessels at the same shipyard. Höegh Autoliners must provide notice on these slots by 31 December 2027.

If all options and reservations are used, the Aurora programme could eventually reach 26 vessels.

New vessels can carry up to 9,100 cars

The Aurora class vessels have capacity for up to 9,100 cars.

They are designed for dual-fuel LNG operation and will carry DNV’s ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations.

The main engines will be supplied by Everllence, while Kongsberg Maritime will provide the bridge systems.

Höegh Autoliners said the vessels can reduce carbon emissions by up to 58% compared with conventional PCTCs.

The newbuilds will also retain the flexibility for future conversion to ammonia.

Höegh targets fleet renewal and Asian growth

Höegh Autoliners said the additional vessels will accelerate its fleet renewal programme while providing more capacity for future growth.

CEO Andreas Enger highlighted the performance of the Aurora class and its ability to carry different types of cargo.

“Further expanding our fleet strengthens our ability to capture growth in the Asian market and meet evolving customer demand,” said Enger.

He added that the programme would provide greater flexibility for long-term fleet renewal and future commercial opportunities.

The post Höegh Autoliners orders six more Aurora class vessels appeared first on Container News.