Höegh Autoliners, an Oslo-listed company, has announced its initial shore power connection in Europe. The operation involved the 2026-built pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) Höegh Starlight, which is the seventh vessel in the company's Aurora-Class series. The vessel successfully hooked up to onshore electricity at the Port of Zeebrugge, Belgium. This event represents both the company's first European cold ironing connection and its first such operation utilizing an 11kV power supply.
This development aligns with the broader industry trend towards decarbonization and reducing emissions in port areas. Shore power, also known as cold ironing, allows vessels to switch off their auxiliary engines while docked, thereby eliminating local air pollution and reducing noise. This initiative contributes to Höegh Autoliners' sustainability goals and supports European port efforts to improve air quality.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, the increasing adoption of shore power by carriers like Höegh Autoliners signifies a move towards more environmentally friendly shipping practices. While unlikely to directly impact freight rates or capacity in the short term, it reflects a growing commitment to sustainability that may influence carrier selection for shippers prioritizing green logistics. It also highlights the ongoing investment in port infrastructure to support these technologies, potentially leading to operational efficiencies and reduced port-side emissions for RoRo cargo.
