Höegh Autoliners and China Merchants Group have formally signed the contract to build six additional dual-fuel LNG and zero-carbon-ready Aurora Class vessels, with construction assigned to China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) for delivery between 2029 and 2031. The agreement lifts Höegh Autoliners’ firm Aurora Class programme from 12 to 18 vessels. The 9,100-car-equivalent-unit ships carry DNV’s ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations and are designed for future conversion to zero-carbon fuels, with Höegh saying the class cuts carbon emissions per transported car by up to 58% compared with conventional pure car and truck carriers.
The order builds on a long-running industrial partnership between the Oslo-listed owner and China Merchants Heavy Industry, which has already delivered Aurora Class vessels into commercial service and holds the top ranking globally by PCTC market share. Höegh has also secured options for four further vessels on the same commercial terms, exercisable within six months, plus reserved construction slots for another four ships, meaning the programme could eventually grow to as many as 26 vessels. Chairman Leif O. Høegh said the newbuilds represent an investment in ships that will remain part of the fleet for decades as the company works toward its 100th anniversary in 2027.
Source: Seatrade Maritime News — https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/shipyards/h-egh-autoliner-contracts-six-car-carriers-at-china-merchants
Tags: Höegh Autoliners, China Merchants, Car Carriers, LNG
