Höegh Autoliners - Experts & Thought Leaders

Höegh Autoliners has celebrated the naming of its sixth Aurora-Class vessel in commercial operation at Sweden’s famous port and the largest in the Nordic region.  The vessel was sponsored by Jenny Westermark, Senior Vice President, GTO Production Logistics at Volvo Group, who performed the traditional bottle-breaking. An array of sustainable Volvo Group cargo provided a spectacular showpiece for the proceedings. Höegh Autoliners’ flagship series The Aurora Class plays a central role in the group's ambition to reach zero emissions by 2040 With a capacity of 9,100 car equivalent units (CEU), the Höegh Moonlight joins Höegh Autoliners’ flagship series of 12 next-generation pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). The Aurora Class plays a central role in the company's ambition to reach zero emissions by 2040. All are classed by DNV and fly the Norwegian flag. The fifth sister vessel, the Höegh Sunrise, was named at Omaezaki Port in Japan in June this year. Decarbonising deep-sea shipping CEO of Höegh Autoliners, Andreas Enger, commented: "The naming of Höegh Moonlight demonstrates our strong commitment to decarbonising deep-sea shipping – not in the future, but right now, today. These vessels are not concepts; they are working, sailing answers to one of the most urgent challenges in our industry. I would like to thank Jenny Westermark for graciously sponsoring the vessel." "The partnership between Höegh Autoliners and Volvo Group is not just a business alliance. It’s a shared commitment – a joint force – to drive real, lasting change in our industries," added Jenny Westermark. Setting industry standard Aurora Class is the most technically advanced and friendly series of car carriers ever constructed Built for a low-carbon future, the Aurora Class is the most technically advanced and environmentally friendly series of car carriers ever constructed. All 12 vessels are designed from the keel up to transition to clean fuels, with the first eight powered by LNG via dual-fuel engines.  They are also 'ammonia-ready' with reinforced decks and an integrated tank developed by TGE Marine at the heart of the design, allowing for straightforward conversion to be able to run on clean ammonia in the future. Aurora newbuilding programme The final four units in the Aurora newbuilding programme, scheduled for delivery from 2027, are dual-fuel vessels able to operate on ammonia from day one.  The first eight dual-fuel LNG-powered vessels are estimated to deliver 58% lower emissions per transported car compared to the industry average. Scale of innovation onboard Höegh Autoliners COO, Sebjørn Dahl, said: "The Höegh Moonlight reflects the transformation we are pioneering across the maritime sector. From the speed of delivery to the scale of innovation onboard, these vessels demonstrate what can be achieved when ambition meets action." Sebjørn Dahl adds, "We are grateful to our partners, crew and global team for making this possible – together, we're building more than vessels, we're helping to shape a cleaner, smarter future for global trade." Close collaboration with key customers Oskar Orstadius, CSO at Höegh Autoliners, stated: "The naming of the Höegh Moonlight marks more than the arrival of a vessel; it's a celebration of our close collaboration with key customers and our shared commitment to sustainable, high-quality transport solutions." He adds, "We are proud to strengthen these partnerships in a port that plays an important role in our global network, and we would also like to express our sincere appreciation to our agent in Sweden, Scandinavian Shipping and Logistics, who has represented Höegh Autoliners with dedication for more than 20 years." Green port strategy Höegh Autoliners' traffic at the port plays a vital role in enabling the Swedish industry to access markets Port of Gothenburg CEO - Göran Eriksson notes that Höegh Autoliners' traffic at the port plays a vital role in enabling Swedish industry to access global markets. Göran Eriksson states, "With the introduction of these new Höegh vessels, that connection can now be made in an even more efficient and climate-smart way than before." He adds, "The Port of Gothenburg is committed to becoming a leading bunkering hub for alternative fuels in Northern Europe, and Höegh stands as a strong example of a frontrunner showing that our initiatives as a port are moves in the right direction." Investments in shoreside power By 2030, the port aims to reduce carbon emissions by 70%, at sea, in the terminal areas and on land. The transition is being carried out in close collaboration with industry, policymakers and academia, with a strong focus on creating sustainable value chains for a thriving society and strengthening business access to global markets.  Key components of this effort include investments in shoreside power, green shipping corridors, electrification and the fuels of the future, all driven by close cooperation with stakeholders across the entire transport chain. Höegh Moonlight key facts Year built: 2025 DWT: 25,200 GT: 83,687 Cargo Capacity: 9,100 CEU Flag: Norwegian Max Deck Height: 6.5 M Max Door Width: 19 M Max Ramp: 375 MT Length Over All: 199.90 M Breadth (MLD): 37.8 M

Höegh Autoliners has revolutionised maritime transport with its Aurora Class vessels, marking significant progress toward sustainable deep-sea shipping. These Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) are designed to be the largest and most environmentally friendly in their class. Notably, the final four ships in this 12-vessel series are set to operate on sustainable ammonia, a zero-carbon fuel, upon their delivery in 2027. Aurora Class vessels Aurora Class vessels are initially running on LNG with the flexibility to transition to ammonia and methanol The Aurora Class vessels are initially running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) with the flexibility to transition to ammonia and methanol as these fuels become more accessible. This adaptability is emphasised by the ships’ receipt of DNV’s ammonia- and methanol-ready notations, a first in the PCTC segment. The final four vessels will feature MAN Energy Solutions’ two-stroke engines capable of being fuelled by ammonia, positioning them as pioneers in zero-GHG emission maritime transport. TGE Marine’s expertise A key enabler of this technological leap is TGE Marine, whose advanced tank designs and fuel gas handling solutions are at the core of the vessels’ ammonia propulsion capabilities. TGE Marine’s expertise in designing and engineering maritime gas systems has made them a global pioneer in gas containment and fuel supply technologies. Their tanks are specifically developed to safely store ammonia in maritime conditions, while their fuel gas systems are among the most advanced in the industry ensuring reliable fuel management, safe operations, and seamless engine integration. These solutions exceed the stringent safety and performance standards required for ammonia as a marine fuel. New ammonia fuel supply system TGE Marine has already supplied tanks and fuel gas systems to the first eight Aurora class vessels TGE Marine has already supplied tanks and fuel gas systems to the first eight Aurora class vessels, and within the final four vessels, the fuel supply system is intended to handle ammonia fuel which allow for the vessels to be an engineering front runner in the industry.  The new ammonia fuel supply system comes among others with a reliquefaction system, a gas combustion unit (GCU) and an ammonia release and mitigation systems (ARMS). Aspects of TGE Marine’s contribution The following expands on the specific aspects of TGE Marine’s contribution to the vessels: Fuel Supply System: The fuel supply system is streamlined to support the main engine operation in an optimum manner allowing a reliable and stable operation with ammonia as fuel. The design of the system is addressing the demand to increase ammonia integrity and to allow safe operation incl. maintenance. Key design features are the utilisation of sealless pumps, high integrity equipment and automation resp. remote operation.  Boil-off Gas (BOG) Treatment: The heat ingress into the ammonia storage tank will lead to evapouration of ammonia. To keep the tank pressure within allowable limit the vapour, the BOG, is routed from the type-c tank’s vapour space to the BOG Treatment System. The BOG Treatment system consists of two fully independent methods to manage the tank pressure, i.e., the Reliquefaction System and the Gas Combustion Unit (GCU). Reliquefaction System: Onboard reliquefaction systems are engineered to recondense the ammonia vapour that results from heat ingress into the storage tanks and system operation. Gas Combustion Unit: As with all systems, TGE Marine also ensure that in an unlikely event that the reliquefaction system would fail, a secondary ‘back up’ system would kick in. The method chosen for this set up a gas combustion unit (GCU). This method burns the boil off gas, and this allows the tank temperature and tank pressure to remain within the limits. The gas combustion unit can support also the treatment of nitrogen ammonia mixtures and non-standard operations, such as gas-freeing of systems for maintenance preventing the release of ammonia to the atmosphere. Safety Systems: Key for operating a vessel with ammonia as fuel is the safe operation taking the toxicity of ammonia into consideration. TGE Marine has implemented safety systems and measures into the design of the system. Risk assessments accompany the design and execution of the project at every stage. Ammonia recovery: A key element of the safe operation is the handling of potential operational and emergency releases originating from the fuel supply system and engine purge operations. For this purpose, an ammonia recovery system is applied to reduce the ammonia quantities being routed to the ammonia release mitigation system. Ammonia Release Mitigation System: The ammonia release mitigation system developed by TGE Marine, is reducing the ammonia quantity released to the atmosphere and ensures that ammonia concentrations are below health and safety limits. Primary benefits of configuration To underline the benefits of the system, these following can be listed as primary benefits of using such configuration: Fuel Efficiency: By applying an efficient ammonia fuel supply system and ammonia engine Environmental Compliance: Minimising emissions of ammonia gas into the atmosphere reduces the vessel’s environmental footprint and helps comply with stringent emissions regulations Safety and Stability: The system ensures stable operation, reducing the risk to personnel and enhancing onboard safety Operational Flexibility: This technology supports extended voyages without fuel losses and allows better management of varying fuel demands during different operational profiles New standard for sustainability in maritime transport Beyond propulsion, the Aurora Class vessels incorporate several eco-friendly features, some include 1,500 square metres of solar panels and the capability to connect to electric shore power, enabling emissions-free port operations.  With these advancements, Höegh Autoliners, together with key partners like TGE Marine, is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also setting a new standard for sustainability in maritime transport, steering the industry toward a greener future.

Nor-Shipping is promising the global maritime and ocean industries 'a bigger, bolder, better' exhibition and activity programme than ever before in Norway next year, with expansion and new initiatives to serve and support ambitious business developments. These include more exhibition space, greater international involvement, fresh networking opportunities, and a conference programme expanded to encompass Seabed Minerals, LNG and finance (Ocean Invest). Relevance and leadership The event week, marking its 60th anniversary, takes place at venues across Oslo and Lillestrøm The event week, marking its 60th anniversary, takes place at venues across Oslo and Lillestrøm, from 2-6 June 2025 and, according to organisers, is now ‘fast approaching sold out status’. A fact made all the more noteworthy by the extension of the exhibition to encompass a ‘second floor’ (the Upper Deck) above Hall D and a tented hall between the popular halls B and C. “It’s going to be a fun, highly topical, extremely busy, and absolutely essential global gathering,” says Nor-Shipping Director, Sidsel Norvik, adding “This is the time and place to turn opportunities into sustainable business.” Sidsel Norvik explains that the development of Nor-Shipping has always been done in close collaboration with key industry and government stakeholders, ensuring appropriate topicality and relevance to attract the movers and the shakers of the global ocean industries. Focused on the future Sidsel Norvik notes: “There’s a strong call for an arena truly representative of our evolving business world. One that welcomes new players, new nationalities, and new sectors and segments, connecting them with established networks and partners to underpin sustainable growth. That’s the essence of our #future-proof theme for Nor-Shipping 2025.” It also explains the conference expansion into the areas of Seabed Minerals, LNG, and the crucially important finance arena with Ocean Invest. Specialised strengths This will bolster a calendar that already includes The Ocean Leadership Conference, The International Ship Autonomy and Sustainability Summit, the Nor-Shipping Hydrogen Conference, and the Nor-Shipping Offshore Wind Conference and Offshore Aquaculture Conference (both of which were introduced at Nor-Shipping 2023). Organisers are fine-tuning an extended social and networking programme, with old favourites “Knowledge sharing, partnerships and networks are critically important when it comes to the latest developments and innovations,” says Sidsel Norvik, adding “There’s so many plans made, and agreements signed, at Nor-Shipping – our platform becomes an essential part of the decision-making process - a responsibility we take very seriously.” In the drive to deliver a programme with the 'perfect balance', organisers are fine-tuning an extended social and networking programme, with old favourites, such as the Nor-Shipping BBQ at DNV’s headquarters, being joined by new initiatives, including the arrival of a sailing cup in partnership with Höegh Autoliners and a “Grand Anniversary Party”. The next big thing With new national pavilions set to be revealed shortly, partnerships being finalized, and conference programmes refined to reflect dynamic ocean developments, Norvik says there’s “a lot more announcements to come” for an industry now setting its sights on the next large-scale global maritime event week. “This is going to be the biggest, best and boldest Nor-Shipping ever,” she concludes, “a very fitting way to mark the 60th anniversary. But, as ever, we’re more focused on supporting the future than looking to the past, so it’ll be exciting to see what new opportunities, plans and partnerships emerge at Nor-Shipping 2025. We can’t wait.”