DP World welcomed for the first time the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly vehicle carrier, the MV Höegh Sunrise, to Jebel Ali Port.
The Aurora-class vessel is the first in the automotive transport sector built with a zero-carbon emission-ready design, capable of running on future fuels such as ammonia and methanol, setting a new standard for sustainable deep-sea transport.
With a capacity for 9,100 vehicles, the vessel reduces carbon emissions per vehicle carried by 58% compared to the current industry standard. The vessel made its first call at Jebel Ali Port from Europe with 1,200 vehicles on board.
A plaque presentation ceremony at Jebel Ali port commemorated this milestone, attended by Ahmed Badri, Vice President of General Cargo and RoRo at DP World GCC, and Atanu Maiti, Regional Director of Commercial Operations for Höegh Autoliners for the Middle East, Africa, India, and Europe.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, stated that “the Höegh Sunrise is a leader in sustainable shipping, and its arrival reinforces Dubai’s role as a global hub for the automotive industry. By managing the largest and most advanced car carriers, we facilitate the transition towards greener supply chains, while supporting more than 940 automotive companies based in Jafza.”
DP World handled a record 1.3 million vehicles in Dubai in 2024, a 53.6% increase from the previous year, underscoring the emirate’s growing role in global automotive trade. In August of this year, it also expanded its automotive logistics capacity to meet growing demand at Jebel Ali port, with the inauguration of a new 2.6 million square foot vehicle storage yard at Terminal 4, and is currently developing the world’s largest automotive market, with an area of 20 million square feet.
