Höegh Autoliners to convert four Aurora-class PCTCs to full ammonia power
The first of the twelve Aurora-class PCTCs is currently on sea trials (Source: Höegh Autoliners)
Norway’s Höegh Autoliners has been granted NOK 109.4 million in ENOVA funding as part of its Ammonia Fuelled Vessel Programme to convert four of its Aurora-class PCTCs to full ammonia power, when they are delivered in 2027.
The car carrier giant will, in total, receive NOK 255.4 million in ENOVA funding.
Höegh Autoliners currently has a total of twelve Aurora-class on order in China. Each vessel will be able to carry 9,100 CEU, currently the largest in the world. The first eight vessels will run on LNG, but are designed to be converted to run on ammonia.
The ammonia engine technology will be ready in 2026, allowing the last four vessels in the series of propulsion systems to be converted to full ammonia operation.
This quartet of PCTCs will be delivered in 2027 and will become the world’s first direct emission-free car carriers, with ammonia engines supplied by MAN.
Meanwhile, the first of the LNG-powered Aurora-class, Höegh Aurora, is currently on sea trials and will be delivered to the Norwegian operator in the coming weeks.
ENOVA is a Norwegian Government enterprise promoting green energy initiatives. It is expected to cover 60% of the extra costs to convert the four Aurora-class vessels to full ammonia operation.
