The Aurora Class

Höegh Autoliners has been a beacon of innovation through 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!

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.

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 Aurora will be delivered in Q2 2024 and will commence commercial operations in August 2024.

By the first half of 2027, all twelve Auroras will be delivered and in operation, equipped with engines primed to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulfur oil. These vessels can be converted to run on Ammonia. Notably, we have secured access to MAN's groundbreaking ammonia 2-stroke engines for installation on the vessels.

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.