Offshore Energy — 2023-07-17
Maritime and Ports
Norwegian Ro-Ro shipping company Höegh Autoliners has exercised the option to build an additional four new multi-fuel and net zero carbon ready Aurora class vessels.
The shipping company will have the option to convert one or more of these vessels to ammonia propulsion as soon as the technology is available. This brings the number of total vessels under the newbuilding program to twelve vessels, all of which will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co. (CMHI).
The construction of the first unit from the series was launched with a steel-cutting ceremony at CMHI in March 2023.
Last month, the shipowner said in an update that the construction of Aurora-class vessels was progressing ahead of schedule.
As a result, the first Aurora-class vessel is scheduled for delivery as early as July 2024, while the second Aurora vessel is also anticipated to be delivered ahead of schedule, with an expected arrival in September next year.