Höegh Autoliners officials with government and private sector partners during the naming ceremony of MV Höegh Australis on January 31 at Manila South Harbor.
  • Höegh Autoliners officially named its third multi-fuel pure car and truck carrier, MV Höegh Australis, on January 31 at Manila South Harbor
  • Norwegian-flagged Höegh Australis is a liquified natural gas-powered vessel capable of carrying 9,100 car equivalent units and is manned by Filipino crew
  • At the time of the naming ceremony, the vessel was already carrying vehicles loaded from East Asia ports and was bound to ports in Europe

Höegh Autoliners officially named its third multi-fuel pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), MV Höegh Australis, on January 31 at Manila South Harbor.

Norwegian-flagged Höegh Australis is a liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel capable of carrying 9,100 car equivalent units and is manned by Filipino crew. It is one of Höegh Autoliners’ 12 Aurora Class vessels, currently the world’s largest car carriers that are multi-fuel and zero carbon ready.

At the time of the naming, the vessel, which was delivered to Höegh Autoliners on January 5, was carrying vehicles loaded from East Asia ports and bound to ports in Europe.

The first two vessels under the Aurora Class—MV Höegh Aurora and MV Höegh Borealis—were launched last year, while the fourth vessel—MV Höegh Sunlight—was officially named last January 23.

Höegh Autoliners chair Leif Høegh in a speech during the event, explained why they decided to hold the naming ceremony in Manila: “When we decided on this program, we knew from the start that at least one of these ships had to be named in Manila. Manila is our second home,” adding that the company’s largest branch is located in the Philippines.

Hoegh Autoliners chief operating officer Sebjørn Dahl, in an interview with PortCalls at the sidelines of the event, noted the Manila event also celebrates the company’s long relations with Filipino seafarers and colleagues.

The company employed its first Filipino seafarer in 1983 and in 1997, established its dedicated manning agency, Höegh Fleet Services Phils. Inc., and has deployed thousands of Filipino seafarers ever since.

Höegh Autoliners currently employs 220 Filipinos in its branch office in Makati under three entities – Höegh Autoliners Regional Operating Headquarter, Höegh Fleet Services Phils. Inc., and Höegh Technical Management Inc.

The Aurora Class vessels—built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd—will significantly contribute to the company’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040, Höegh Autoliners said. These vessels cut carbon emissions per car transported by 58% compared to the current industry standard.

The first eight Aurora Class vessels will run on LNG and are designed to be converted to run on ammonia. The ammonia engine technology will be ready in 2026, allowing for the last four vessels to run on ammonia from the start. These vessels will be delivered in 2027 and will become the world’s first emission-free vessels in the roll-on/roll-off segment. – Roumina Pablo

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