Order details and timeline
The latest contract secures six additional pure car‑truck carriers (PCTCs) for Hoegh Autoliners, with the vessels scheduled for delivery from 2029 through 2031. The ships will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry in Jiangsu, a yard that already delivers the first batch of Aurora class units.
According to a LinkedIn announcement from Hoegh Autoliners, the order expands the company’s Aurora new‑build programme to a total of 18 vessels. The firm also locked in options for four more ships and slot reservations for another four, providing the flexibility to scale the fleet further if market conditions warrant.
Technical specifications and environmental performance
The Aurora class PCTCs are designed to carry up to 9,100 cars per voyage. Hoegh Autoliners cites a reduction in carbon emissions of as much as 58 % compared with conventional diesel‑powered carriers. Each vessel will be equipped with DNV’s ammonia‑ and methanol‑ready notation, enabling future conversion to zero‑carbon fuels.
Manifold Times confirms that the main engine will be supplied by Everllence while the bridge system comes from Kongsberg Maritime, reinforcing the class’s modern technology suite. Although LNG remains the primary fuel, the ships are built with the capability to switch to ammonia or methanol, addressing concerns about methane slip associated with LNG.
Strategic rationale behind the expansion
Hellenic Shipping News reports that Hoegh Autoliners views the Aurora series as a cornerstone of its green fleet renewal strategy. The additional six vessels are intended to capture growth in the Asian market and to provide capacity security amid potential freight‑rate volatility.
The company’s CEO, Andreas Enger, is quoted as saying the Aurora class offers “very strong earnings potential, carbon performance, cargo flexibility and future‑proof conversion capability.” By securing attractive terms with the Chinese shipyard, Hoegh Autoliners aims to keep build costs competitive while locking in delivery slots well ahead of the anticipated surge in demand for low‑emission car carriers.
Market context and fuel outlook
LNG Prime notes that the order reflects a broader industry shift toward dual‑fuel vessels as regulators tighten emissions standards. While LNG is currently the most widely available alternative to heavy fuel oil, emerging options such as bio‑LNG and eventual ammonia or methanol propulsion are shaping long‑term fleet planning.
The new Aurora ships will therefore operate on a fuel that balances availability with lower carbon intensity today, while retaining the structural readiness for cleaner fuels as they become commercially viable.
What this means for operators
For ship operators, Hoegh Autoliners’ expanded Aurora order signals increased capacity in the premium car‑carrier segment, underpinned by vessels that meet near‑future emissions regulations. Operators can anticipate lower fuel‑related carbon charges and potentially higher charter rates for green‑compliant assets. The built‑in flexibility to convert to ammonia or methanol reduces long‑term fuel risk, allowing fleets to adapt as zero‑carbon fuels mature without needing major structural retrofits.
