VIDEO: Höegh Autoliners to have ammonia-ready car carrier by 2023

Written by Nick Blenkey
Aurora class vessels could carry U.S. auto exports

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]

Oslo, Norway, headquartered Höegh Autoliners plans to build a series of ammonia-ready car carriers called the Aurora Class that will not only be the most environmentally friendly ever built, but the largest, with a capacity for 9,100 car equivalent units.

The company has entered a Memorandum of Understanding with long-term partner China’s Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry that, it says, will make it possible to have the first vessel delivered by the end of 2023.

“We are accelerating our decarbonization efforts to meet our net zero emissions target by 2040,” says Höegh Autoliners CEO Andreas Enger. “Together with our customers and trusted partners we will make a significant contribution to a more sustainable maritime industry.”

Appropriately, the Aurora class is designed to transport the cars of the future. Its strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems, enable electric vehicles to be carried on all decks and provide more flexibility for heavier project cargo.

MULTI-FUEL MAN B&W ENGINE

The Aurora Class will be powered by a MAN Energy Solutions multi-fuel engine that  can run on various biofuel and conventional fuels, including LNG. With minor modifications it can transition to use future zero carbon fuels, including Green Ammonia.

“Reducing emissions is more important than eve,” says Kjeld Aabo, Director New Technologies at MAN Energy Solutions. “With the selected MAN B&W engine, Höegh Autoliners will be able to operate on various fuel types. After modifications of the engine, tank and auxiliary systems, the engine will be ready to run on virtually any future zero carbon emission fuels: including ammonia. We at MAN Energy Solutions are proud to be the partner on Höegh Autoliners’ path to zero.”

AMMONIA READY

The Aurora design will have the following DNV notations: +1A, Car Carrier, MCDK, ICE C, E0, NAUT-OC, CLEAN DESIGN, BWM-T, TMON, BIS, COAT PSPC (B), GAS FUELED, BATTERY (safety), F(C), Recyclable, SHORE POWER, Gas ready Ammonia (D, S, MEc, T).

“With the multifuel engine and DNV’s new ammonia ready notation, Höegh Autoliners is bringing the segment and work to decarbonize the maritime industry to a new level,” says Hans Eivind Siewers, Segment Director Passenger Ships & RoRo at DNV, “The Aurora design will further meet the enhanced safety standards and reduce environmental footprint significantly. DNV is proud to support Höegh Autoliners on their path to zero. With the right partners, technology and mindset, we will be able to achieve a safe and sustainable maritime industry.”

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