Höegh Autoliners has signed a definitive agreement with China Merchants Group (CMG) for the construction of six new Aurora-class Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs). These vessels are designed to operate on dual-fuel LNG and are also prepared for future ammonia propulsion, reflecting a commitment to decarbonization in the maritime sector. The shipbuilding will be handled by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI), a subsidiary of CMG.
This order follows Höegh Autoliners' earlier announcement of its intention to expand its fleet with these advanced vessels. The company also holds options for four more vessels and has reserved additional construction slots, indicating a significant long-term investment in its fleet capacity. Each PCTC will have a capacity of 9,100 Car Equivalent Units (CEU).
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this fleet expansion signals increased capacity in the automotive shipping sector, which could lead to more stable rates and improved schedule reliability for vehicle movements. The dual-fuel and ammonia-ready design also highlights a growing trend towards sustainable shipping solutions, potentially influencing carrier selection for shippers with strong ESG mandates. The introduction of these modern, eco-friendly vessels will help meet the demand for greener logistics options in global vehicle transport.
