HÖEGH Autoliners has had its first Aurora class vessel, Höegh Aurora, delivered at a naming ceremony at shipbuilders China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard.

Three years after the Aurora class design was launched, Höegh Aurora has been received by Höegh as part of the Norwegian shipping line’s new green minded multi-fuel fleet.

Höegh Aurora is the first of 12 Aurora vessels on order to be delivered, with each to be able to operate on ammonia fuel, as part of the shipping line’s 2040 net-zero emissions goal.

The first Aurora Class vessels will run on liquefied natural gas, biofuels, and low-sulfur oil. From 2027, Höegh’s aim is that the last four of the 12 Aurora class vessels will be running on clean, green ammonia, intending to reduce each vessel’s emissions by close to 100 percent.

According to Hoegh, all Auroras will be equipped with class society DNV’s “ammonia ready” and “methanol ready” notations, and the line expects the vessels will cut carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58 percent from the current industry average.

With the Auroras, Höegh are attempting to raise the demand for ammonia as a viable, zero-carbon maritime fuel.

Höegh have already partnered with several of the world’s leading ammonia producers to ensure the supply and usage of green ammonia, including Yara Clean Ammonia, Norwegian North Ammonia, and Sumitomo Corporation, amongst others.

Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners said the shipping line is pioneering efforts to combat pollution in a hard-to abate segment.

“We are setting new standards for sustainable deep-sea transportation, making a significant stride toward our 2040 net zero emissions goal” Mr Enger said.

“As the largest and most environmentally friendly PCTCs ever built, the Aurora Class vessels embody the change our industry needs.”

Designed for “future cargo”, the Aurora class has a capacity of up to 9100 cars, and feature strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems, which allow each to carry electric vehicles on all 14 decks.

All Aurora class vessels are being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry, and will be classed by DNV and registered under the Norwegian flag.

Höegh expects the delivery of two Aurora vessels every six months until 2027, with the option of ordering another four ships.

“Together, we are making sustainable shipping doable, accelerating the green transition within our industry and setting a whole new standard for sustainable solutions and services in shipping” says Höegh Board Chair, Leif O. Høegh.

“Höegh Autoliners have always innovated, explored new ways and changed the future for the better. That is who we are.

“The Aurora Class is probably our most impactful innovation yet.”

Höegh Aurora will commence commercial operations immediately.