Höegh Autoliners and China Merchants Group (CMG) have officially signed a contract for the construction of six additional Aurora class ships. The contract was signed at a high-level meeting in Naples and included the presence of senior representatives from both companies, including Miao Jianmin, Chairman of China Merchants Group, Leif O. Høegh, Chairman of Höegh Autoliners, and Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners.
Contract Details
The six additional ships will be dual-fuel LNG and carbon-zero ready, built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI), and will be delivered between 2029 and 2031. With the addition of these six ships, the total number of Aurora class ships will reach 18, and Höegh Autoliners is moving towards achieving a carbon-free future in maritime transport.
Aurora Class Ship Features
Aurora class ships are capable of carrying up to 9,100 vehicles and can reduce carbon emissions per vehicle carried by up to 58% compared to traditional PCTC ships. These ships are ammonia and methanol-ready as per DNV specifications and are designed to transition to future carbon-zero fuels.
Leif O. Høegh, Chairman of the Board of Höegh Autoliners, stated: "For nearly 100 years, we have evolved and adapted, leading the way through major changes in maritime transport. This signing continues that story, and we are investing in ships that will define our fleet for decades and help drive the industry towards zero carbon."
Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, added: "This is not just a shipbuilding agreement; it is a statement about the future of deep-sea transport and the role we intend to play in shaping it. By expanding the program to 18 ships, we are providing efficient, flexible, and future-ready capacity and moving towards carbon-free operations."
Miao Jianmin, Chairman of China Merchants Group, also said: "Höegh Autoliners is a pioneer in international transport and will celebrate its centenary next year. We admire the remarkable advancements this company has made over the past century."
This contract strengthens the long-term industrial cooperation between Höegh Autoliners and CMHI, with the company already having commercialized Aurora class ships and set to build all 18 ships in the developed program.
