Largest Car Carrier with Multi-Fuel Engine Enters Sea Trials

The first of the Aurora class car carriers, being built in China for Hoegh Autoliners, has started sea trials before its scheduled delivery and entry into service in August. With a capacity of 9,100 CEU, this vessel will be the largest of its kind, featuring a multi-fuel engine powered by LNG, methanol, or ammonia.

Initially planned as a project for four ships, the building project was expanded to eight vessels by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., with Hoegh exercising options for four additional ships. In total, the order now stands at 12 ships to be delivered by 2027, with potential for four more.

The first vessel, Hoegh Aurora, has begun its sea trials, spending 10 days testing equipment and operational systems. Apart from its size, the design of the ship incorporates improvements for efficiency, including strengthened decks and an enhanced internal ramp system to accommodate electric vehicles, project cargo, and various types of machinery. The vessels will also feature solar panels and shore power capabilities, with plans for the last four ships to be fitted with MAN’s 2-stroke ammonia engines for efficient operation.Hoegh Autoliners has secured additional funding from Norway’s Enova fund to support the development and installation of ammonia engines in the vessels, receiving a grant of $10.4 million to ensure all four ships are capable of operating on ammonia. Enova, initiated by the Norwegian government, aims to promote decarbonization technologies and support companies in the transition towards sustainable energy sources. The grant supports Hoegh’s commitment to environmental sustainability and future-proof operations in the maritime sector, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions in shipping.

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