Höegh Autoliners has placed an order for six additional dual-fuel and zero-carbon-ready Aurora class pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), bringing the total number of vessels in its Aurora class newbuild programme to 18. All vessels in the programme are being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI), with the latest batch scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2031.

The Norwegian car carrier operator has also secured an option to order a further four vessels on the same terms, along with slot reservations for an additional four vessels at the same yard. The arrangements give Höegh Autoliners the flexibility to expand the Aurora programme to as many as 26 vessels in total, including the 12 already ordered.

The Aurora class vessels are equipped with DNV’s ammonia- and methanol-ready notation, making them capable of transitioning to alternative fuels as these become more widely available. The main engine, provided by Everllence, is a dual-fuel engine for LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil, and the bridge system is supplied by Kongsberg Maritime. Each vessel has a carrying capacity of up to 9,100 car equivalent units (CEU) and, according to the company, reduces carbon emissions by up to 58% compared with conventional PCTCs.

Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, stated: “The Aurora class newbuilds have demonstrated very strong earnings potential, carbon performance, cargo flexibility and future-proof conversion capability. Through our newbuild programme, we secure capacity costs at a competitive level, supporting profitable operations even during potential periods of lower freight rates. Further expanding our fleet strengthens our ability to capture growth in the Asian market and meet evolving customer demand, while giving us greater strategic flexibility, supporting long-term fleet renewal and positioning us to capture commercial opportunities in the years ahead.”