The Aurora Class

Our Aurora Class will be the largest and most environmentally friendly PCTC ever built, further accelerating our decarbonization efforts and setting a new standard for more sustainable deep-sea transportation.

Beacon of innovation

Höegh Autoliners has been a beacon of innovation for nearly a century at sea, leading the maritime transportation sector into the future.

Our Aurora Class may be our most significant innovation yet. One that will transform deep-sea shipping and the transportation of cars, breakbulk, and heavy machinery across oceans.

With these vessels, we challenge sceptics by demonstrating the feasibility of transitioning from conventional fuel to sustainable alternatives, reshaping the narrative of deep-sea shipping within only a few years.

Being the first in the PCTC segment to receive DNV’s ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations, the Auroras will also be the first to be ready to operate zero-carbon ammonia propulsion with the main engine delivered by MAN and the bridge system supplied by Kongsberg Maritime.

Through partnerships with world-leading ammonia distributors, we are driving the industry towards a net zero future and creating demand for sustainable fuels to accelerate transition!

INNOVATING THROUGH TIMES

Multi fuel vessels

Capable of carrying up to 9,100 CEUs, these multi-fuel-ready vessels are designed for future cargo and reduce the carbon footprint of our customers' value chains.

The Auroras cut carbon emissions per car transported by 58% compared to the current industry standard. They are the crown jewels of our ground-breaking green fleet renewal program.

The Aurora Class is a monumental leap towards the 2040 net-zero emissions goal, which we are wholeheartedly committed to achieving. They represent the future of our company and the entire industry. With our Auroras, we are sailing for sustainability.

NET ZERO TRANSPORTATION

Delivered from Q2 2024

We have 12 Aurora vessels on order—and the possibility of another four. All are contracted with the Norwegian flag and DNV class. The first 8 Auroras will be equipped with engines primed to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulfur oil. These vessels can be converted to run on Ammonia later. The first Aurora was delivered in Q2 2024 and entered into commercial operations in August 2024.

By 2027, the 4 last vessels of the series will be delivered able to run net zero on ammonia directly from the yard. Notably, we have secured access to MAN's groundbreaking ammonia 2-stroke engines for installation on these vessels.

SAILING FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Environmentally friendly

With their strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems, the vessels will be able to carry Electric Vehicles on all 14 decks - while at the same time offering enhanced flexibility for heavier project cargo.

The design includes 1500 square meters of solar panels on the top deck and will also be primed to embrace electric shore power for emissions-free port operations.

More about the Aurora Class

Portrait of the Aurora class: Designing the future of the maritime industry

The future is looking both green and bright for Höegh Autoliners with the launch of the new Aurora class vessels design – and the signing of firm contracts for the delivery of the first eight Aurora vessels already by first half of 2026.

Leif O. Høegh: “Sustainability is our strategy”

For Höegh Autoliners the vision and goal of a zero-emissions future is not about compliance, but about sustainable leadership, says Chair of Höegh Autoliners, Leif O. Høegh.

Höegh Autoliners is sailing for sustainability

With our almost 100 years of maritime experience, Höegh Autoliners’ roots are Norwegian, but our perspective is global. And green. Sustainability is very much at the core of our operations.

Want to know more about our fleet?

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News and Articles

24 June 2025

Höegh Autoliners Wins Best Shipping Line of the Year

Höegh Autoliners Wins Best Shipping Line of the Year - Multipurpose Operator for 8th Consecutive Time at the 9th Edition of India Maritime Awards 2024

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20 June 2025

Höegh Sunrise named in Japan as Aurora Class redefines deep-sea shipping standards

Höegh Autoliners names its fifth Aurora Class vessel, Höegh Sunrise, in Japan -marking a major step toward zero-emission deep-sea shipping. The vessels are the largest and most environmentally friendly car carriers ever built, raising the bar for more sustainable deep-sea transportation.

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14 April 2025

From the rocking monotony at sea to new experiences in South Africa: The final stint of Kjetil Borch's encounter with shipping

A month at sea leaves its mark, forming habits and patterns. So, the first encounter with Port Elizabeth and then Durban was a significant change that left an impression on Kjetil Borch. And while there is something good about having solid ground under your feet again, the arrival in South Africa was also a break from the rocking monotony seafarers must learn to love.

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