Höegh signs LOI for two giant ammonia-ready car carriers

As well; as being green, Aurora class will be world's largest car carriers - and could be carrying U.S. auto exports [Image; Höegh Autoliners]

Moving ahead on a plan announced back in April, Oslo-headquartered Höegh Autoliners has entered into a Letter of Intent (LoI) with shipbuilder China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI) to build a series of its multi-fuel and ammonia ready Aurora class vessels. Under the terms of the LoI, the first two vessels will be delivered in the second half of 2024.

With a 9,100 car capacity, the Aurora class ships will be the world’s largest car carriers, They will have DNV’s new “ammonia ready” notation, making them the first in the segment to be ready for operation on carbon neutral ammonia. The vessels have been designed by Turku, Finland, headquartered Deltamarin, which is owned by China Merchants.

Höegh Autoliners says it has a proven decarbonization record. Since 2008 it has reduced carbon intensity by 37% across its fleet and is significantly ahead of the global IMO 2030-target of 40% reduction. The company’s ambition is to reach a net zero emissions target by 2040, making it a leader on the path to zero.

“We are excited to have secured delivery of the first Aurora class vessel already by 2024. It will be the first ammonia ready vessel in its segment and the largest car carrier ever built,” said Höegh Autoliners CEO, Andreas Enger.” The Aurora class will bring cargo efficiency to a new level and put us in the forefront of sustainable shipping.”