Höegh Autoliners is expanding its next-generation car carrier fleet with six additional Aurora-class vessels, with deliveries scheduled from 2029 to 2031. The order will bring the company’s Aurora newbuilding programme to 18 ships, all contracted at China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu).
The new vessels will be dual-fuel LNG PCTCs designed to support future zero-carbon operation. Höegh Autoliners also has an option for four more ships under the same terms. The option can be exercised within six months. The company has also reserved construction slots for another four vessels at CMHI.
If all options and reserved slots are used, the Aurora programme could reach 26 vessels.
The latest order builds on the original 12-ship programme. The first Aurora-class vessel, MV Höegh Aurora, entered commercial service in August 2024. Further vessels in the series are already in service or under construction.
The 9,100 CEU Aurora class is designed for deep-sea vehicle and project cargo trades. Strengthened decks and internal ramps allow the vessels to carry electric vehicles across all 14 decks. The ships can also accommodate heavier and oversized cargo.
The design includes around 1,500 square metres of solar panels and provision for shore power. The vessels also carry DNV ammonia- and methanol-ready notation, allowing future conversion to alternative fuels. Höegh Autoliners says the design can reduce carbon emissions by up to 58% compared with conventional PCTCs.
