Höegh Autoliners, a global leader in deep-sea RoRo transportation, is pioneering sustainable shipping with its new Aurora Class vessels. Partnering with Kongsberg Maritime, the company is making significant strides towards its goal of net-zero emissions goal by 2040.
Höegh Autoliners, a leading global provider of deep-sea RoRo transportation, is at the forefront of the maritime industry’s transition to sustainable shipping. The company operates a network of pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels, transporting approximately 1.6 million car equivalent units (CEUs) annually, alongside other cargo.
Kongsberg Maritime is playing a key role in enabling this ambitious ship owner to transform its green credentials through the supply of integrated systems to its newbuilds and upgrades to its existing fleet. A key milestone in Höegh Autoliners’ journey towards net-zero emissions by 2040 is the groundbreaking Aurora Class.
We aim to make ships smarter and greener, and enable our customers to take a leading position in decarbonisation.
Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President - Kongsberg Maritime
These state-of-the-art vessels, with ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations, will be the first PCTCs capable of running on ammonia by 2027. By significantly reducing carbon emissions per car transported, the Aurora Class is setting a benchmark for sustainable deep-sea shipping.
Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, proudly states: “With the Aurora Class we are 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 towards our 2040 net-zero emissions goal.”
The Aurora Class vessels will be equipped with a range of advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. Key features include dual-fuel engines capable of operating on both LNG and marine diesel oil, an energy-efficient hull design and shore power connection for further emissions reduction in port.
The first Aurora Class vessel, the Höegh Aurora, started commercial operation in summer 2024, closely followed by the second, Höegh Borealis. With a capacity of up to 9,100 cars and enhanced capabilities to transport electric vehicles, the Aurora Class is not only outperforming existing tonnage but is also future-proofed to meet evolving cargo demands.
We are committed to being a leader in sustainable shipping,” says Andreas. “The investment in new vessels and the green upgrades to our existing fleet are major steps towards achieving our net-zero emissions goal.
Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners
Kongsberg Maritime President, Lisa Edvardsen Haugan and Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners
Kongsberg Maritime President, Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, visited the Höegh Aurora at the yard in China to see first-hand how Kongsberg Maritime technology is transforming the future of Höegh Autoliners’ global operations. She says: “Nothing beats the feeling of being on board a new ship, and the Höegh Aurora is a very special ship. We aim to make ships smarter and greener, and our package of equipment on board is a clear demonstration of how we work with our customers to enable them to take a leading position in decarbonisation of their operations.
“For a large car carrier like this, it takes more than just a change of fuel type for greener and safer operations – it takes a wide range of advanced technology from many suppliers, including ourselves. “We have an extensive, integrated equipment package on board the new Aurora fleet. This includes the navigation system, a system for emission monitoring and reporting, the engine control system and shaft torque metre solution.”
K-Chief – the beating heart
“The K-Chief automation system is built on 50 years of operational experience and, for this ship, it is one of two very important arenas on board this vessel,” adds Andreas. “As everything on the ship becomes more digital and sophisticated, it’s becoming more and more important that you fully understand the operational patterns, routing, performance of the engines and other onboard systems, and we consider the bridge to be the brain.”
Höegh Autoliners is committed to reducing its environmental impact and is actively investing in green upgrades for its existing fleet. These initiatives include retrofitting ships with energy-saving technologies such as upgraded propellers and hull coatings, derating turbo chargers, exploring alternative fuels and installing Promas propulsion to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. In addition to the new Aurora Class ships, Kongsberg Maritime is supplying its Promas Lite propulsion system to Höegh Autoliners to upgrade the propulsion systems on 10 PCTC vessels.
This retrofit solution is designed to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. Promas Lite integrates the propeller, hub cap, bulb and rudder into a single unit, optimising hydrodynamic performance. Detailed studies and full-scale measurements have confirmed fuel savings of at least 6.5 per cent for Höegh Autoliners’ DSME Class PCTCs.
Promas Lite offers significant energy savings and a quick return on investment and, with more than 100 upgrades carried out to date, it is a popular choice with many merchant ship owners.
The Höegh Aurora’s advanced technology reduces emissions.
Kongsberg Maritime’s technology solutions for the Aurora Class
K-Bridge navigation system: A unified interface for critical navigation tasks, integrating various systems to improve decision-making and efficiency. K-IMS emission monitoring and reporting: A cloud-based information system that connects onboard data to optimise operations, reduce emissions and streamline reporting. K-Chief automation system and power management system: An automated system that controls and monitors the ship’s engine room, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Promas propulsion system: An integrated propeller and rudder system that reduces hydrodynamic resistance, leading to lower fuel consumption and improved manoeuvrability.
The Aurora Class – key facts:
Built at China Merchants Heavy Industries in Haimen.
The first two ships were delivered in 2024.
The total investment in the new fleet is approximately $1 billion.
DNV multifuel notations for ammonia and methanol.
Reduced emissions: The first eight ships will initially run on LNG and are expected to reduce carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58 per cent, compared with industry standards.
The last four ships in the series of 12 are planned to run on ammonia.
Increased capacity: Each of the Aurora Class can carry up to 9,100 cars, making the vessels the largest PCTCs ever built.
Enhanced cargo capabilities: The ships are equipped with strengthened decks and advanced ramp systems to accommodate electric vehicles (EVs) on all 14 decks.
