Höegh Autoliners $HAUTO (-1.26%) has taken delivery of the Höegh Starlight, the seventh ammonia-capable Aurora-class car carrier in its 12-vessel program.
The vessel, which was built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) in China, will join the fleet under the Norwegian flag and DNV class.
It is the seventh 9,100 CEU dual-fuel LNG vessel to be delivered in the last 18 months.
The Aurora class has been designed as a multi-fuel, zero-carbon PCTC that can be converted to green ammonia once the fuel and engine technology is fully available.
The Höegh Starlight matches the specifications of her six sister ships and offers space for up to 9,100 car units on 14 decks, reinforced decks and internal ramps for electric vehicles as well as flexibility for heavy project cargoes.
The design includes approximately 1,500 m² of solar panels and a full shore power supply to reduce emissions in the ports.
According to order book data, the vessel is just under 200 meters long and 37.6 meters wide and is equipped with an ammonia-capable MAN B&W main engine supported by battery and solar systems.
Höegh Autoliners has ordered 12 Aurora vessels to be delivered by the second half of 2027.
The first eight are equipped with dual-fuel LNG engines that can be converted to run on ammonia, while the last four will run on ammonia from delivery.
The Aurora design can reduce CO2 emissions per vehicle transported by up to 58% compared to conventional PCTCs.
The series is part of an approximately USD 1.2 billion newbuilding program that supports the company's goal of achieving net-zero emissions in ship operations by 2040.
