CHINA — Höegh Autoliners has confirmed an order for six additional dual-fuel LNG, zero-carbon-ready Aurora-class pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) from China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) (CMHI).
The new vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2031, bringing the company’s Aurora-class newbuilding programme to 18 vessels. All of the ships in the programme are being constructed by CMHI.
Höegh Autoliners said the expanded order benefits from its long-term strategic partnership with the shipbuilder, as well as the economies of scale associated with serial construction and the continued development of the vessel design.
These factors have allowed the company to secure what it described as highly competitive contract terms, although financial details were not disclosed.
Alongside the six-vessel order, Höegh Autoliners has secured a six-month construction option for four additional vessels under the same contractual conditions.
The company has also reserved building slots for another four vessels, with those slots remaining valid until December 31, 2027.
Including the 12 Aurora-class vessels previously delivered or currently under construction, the overall programme could eventually reach a maximum of 26 vessels.
The expansion strengthens Höegh Autoliners’ long-term fleet renewal strategy while increasing its capacity for transporting cars, trucks and other rolling cargo.
