Höegh Autoliners completed what is said was its first carbon-neutral voyage from Europe to South Africa.
During the voyage Höegh Trigger ran on sustainable biofuels. The company said the trial voyage demonstrated biofuel is a viable choice for vessels in the fleet.
Using advanced biofuels to run existing fleets has a strong potential to significantly reduce emissions today, while new ship technologies evolve, the company said.
Höegh Autoliners CEO Andreas Enger said the company is committed to leading the way towards a zero-emissions future.
“The success of this trial voyage demonstrates that with the use of alternative fuels like biofuel, we can contribute to significant steps towards decarbonisation in the maritime transportation industry,” Mr Enger said.
“Our company and customers have high ambitions to combat climate change, and we are committed to delivering on that.”
GoodFuels’ biofuel was chosen for the test run because it can reduce the vessel’s carbon emissions by up to 90%. The remaining emissions generated were offset through certificates from Gold Standard, to make the voyage truly carbon neutral.
GoodFuels chief commercial officer Isabel Welten said: “Working with shipping operators like Höegh Autoliners, we contribute to making ocean transport more sustainable and together play an essential role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the maritime industry.”
Höegh Autoliners said it operates some of the greenest and largest PCTC vessels in the world. The New Horizon series can transport up to 8500 car equivalent units and were designed to minimise its impact on the environment. The vessels are equipped with the latest fuel-saving technologies, reducing carbon dioxide emissions per car equivalent unit by 50% compared with standard car carriers.
