Celebrating 20 years in the Australian market

Höegh Autoliners' entry into the Australian RoRo market, like most new operators, began with small volumes and vessel calls but steadily grew over the years.

Brendan Wallis, Area Sales Manager – Oceania shares,

To be able to celebrate 20 years of service is a significant achievement and testimony to our fantastic team and valued partners that have played a major role in our on-going success. Our ability to adapt and evolve has meant we have been able to meet the evolving commercial landscape.

Direct express service from the US

In 2018, Höegh started its direct express service from Europe to the US and Oceania. The new service made Höegh the first carrier to offer a direct service between Freeport, in the US Gulf, to Australia. And, offered the quickest RoRo connection available in the market from Mexico’s Lázaro Cardenas to Australia and New Zealand.

Höegh currently offers two direct sailings a month on its US to Oceania service.

Oskar Orstadius, Chief Sales Officer in Höegh Autoliners says,

We are pleased to support the increased demand in cargo flows to Oceania and continuously work with customers to develop solutions to their transportation needs. The increased frequency in the service offers customers more sailing options in the region.

Direct monthly service to Mackay

With demands increasing and customers requiring direct connectivity to North Queensland for breakbulk commodities, primarily to support the mining and agriculture industry, Höegh Autoliners extended its service to Oceania, with the addition of Mackay in 2019.

The introduction of the port provided a direct link for North American and European equipment manufacturers to Mackay and the Bowen Basin. Previously, such large cargoes had limited options and would be shipped through alternate ports traversing lengthy road routes to the northern regions of Australia. Deployed in the service are Höegh’s New Horizon vessels, which are the largest PCTC vessels in the world by capacity, with the ability to transport cargo up to 375 metric tonnes.

Brendan says, “Together with our New Horizon class vessels, which are designed to transport over-dimensional cargo, we can serve our customers better by landing their cargo closer to its final destination.”

Continuous improvement

Höegh Autoliners is committed to continuous improvements in delivering efficient and environmentally responsible transportation. Höegh Autoliners operates some of the greenest and largest PCTC vessels in the world. The New Horizon series has been designed to minimise its impact on the environment. Built on state-of-the-art technology, the vessels emit only half of the CO2 per car transported compared to a standard car carrier. Recently the company launched the design of its Aurora Class, which will be the largest and most environmentally friendly PCTC vessel to be built.

Oskar concludes,

What we have been able to achieve in the past 20 years in Australia is thanks to our customers, colleagues and business partners. We are committed to growth, innovation and drive and will continue to deliver efficient and sustainable services, not only to the Australian market, but to our customers globally.