Hoegh Autoliners’ groundbreaking Aurora Class vessel, the Hoegh Borealis, called at the Port of Barcelona on September 30, marking another milestone in the shared journey toward a greener, more sustainable deep-sea shipping industry. The Hoegh Borealis is the smartest, largest and the most environmentally advanced Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) ever built.
Hoegh Autoliners stated that its vessels are designed to operate on zero-carbon fuels, such as green ammonia, and are equipped with cutting-edge digitalisation and safety technologies. The Hoegh Borealis has a capacity of 9,100 CEU and readiness for shore power operations; it embodies the future of sustainable maritime transport. Its recent call at the Port of Barcelona was a celebration of aligned climate ambitions. The Port of Barcelona’s strategic plan sets one of the most ambitious decarbonization targets in Europe – a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2017, surpassing the EU’s Green Deal and Fit for 55 goals. Hoegh Autoliners shares this urgency for zero emissions across its operations by 2040.
Andreas Enger, CEO of Hoegh Autoliners, said their Aurora Class vessels are working, sailing answers to one of the most urgent challenges in the shipping. “The Hoegh Borealis arriving in Barcelona is a powerful symbol of what’s possible when vision meets action. Together with the Port of Barcelona, we are not just talking about sustainability, we are delivering it. Tomorrow must be greener, more sustainable, and more ready for zero-emission fuels.” He added that their partnership with Port of Barcelona shows that when ports and carriers unite around a common purpose, they can accelerate the transition to a cleaner, better maritime future.
Jose Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona, said the arrival of the vessel from Hoegh Autoliners’ Aurora series at the Port of Barcelona marks a step forward in their commitment to sustainability and the decarbonization of port operations. “Hoegh Autoliners is a strategic partner that shares our vision for the future, advocating for more efficient and environmentally friendly logistics. The inclusion of the Port of Barcelona in the regular calls of Höegh’s services, which connect major Asian ports with Europe, decisively strengthens the Shanghai-Barcelona logistics corridor for new vehicle traffic.”
He added that Port of Barcelona is building a green corridor with Shanghai between the two ports. “I have no doubt that Hoegh Autoliners’ experience and commitment to sustainability can be key to ensuring maritime routes powered by green propulsion and efficient supply systems, such as our sustainable bunker hub, which offers services that few European ports can guarantee.”
Reducing Emissions
Hoegh Autoliners’ Aurora Class is built for a low-carbon future. It’s the most technically advanced and environmentally friendly series of car carriers ever constructed. All 12 vessels are designed from the keel up to transition to clean fuels, with the first eight powered by LNG via dual-fuel engines. The vessels are estimated to deliver 58 percent lower emissions per transported car compared to the industry average.
The first 8 vessels are dual-fuel ‘ammonia-ready’ with reinforced decks and an integrated tank developed by TGE Marine at the heart of the design, allowing for straightforward conversion to be able to run on clean ammonia in the future.
Moreover, the arrival of Hoegh Borealis reinforces the commitment of both Hoegh Autoliners and the Port of Barcelona to lead the way in sustainable shipping. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility in shaping a zero future for global trade. The PCTC company’s commitment represents a step forward in reducing emissions from maritime transport and port activity in Barcelona. The vessels in the Aurora series incorporate the most advanced technology to reduce emissions and can already benefit from the services offered by the Port of Barcelona as part of its strategy to become a hub for green energy production and distribution.
