Höegh Autoliners ASA is pleased to announce that it has decided to order additional six new dual-fuel LNG and zero-carbon-ready Aurora class vessels for delivery in 2029–2031.

This decision will extend Höegh Autoliners’ Aurora class newbuilding program to a total of eighteen vessels, all of which will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI). The company has received highly attractive terms reflecting our strong relationship with the yard, scale benefits and favorable economics of building repeat vessels.

The Company has further secured an option to build four additional vessels at same terms, as well as slot reservations for another four vessels at the same yard. The option vessels may be exercised within six months, while the four slot reservations are held for the Company, with notice to be given on or before 31 December 2027. This decision allows Höegh Autoliners to accelerate its green fleet renewal programme, with flexibility to extend the programme up to a total of up to twenty-six Aurora vessels, including the twelve vessels already delivered or on order.

The Aurora vessels will have DNV’s ammonia and methanol ready notation, with the main engine provided by Everllence and the bridge system supplied by Kongsberg Maritime. With the capacity to carry up to 9,100 cars, the Aurora class is reducing carbon emissions by up to 58% compared to conventional PCTCs. The further expansion of our newbuild program is providing an opportunity to fully anchor our green leadership position. The newbuilds retain future ammonia-conversion flexibility.

Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, said: “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.”