Shipping company Höegh Autoliners is making significant progress in its ambition to make its much-anticipated Aurora Class the world's first pure car truck carrier (PCTC) vessel to run on ammonia.The company, which has a total of 12 Aurora Class vessels on order, was granted almost $14 million in Enova funding to use the alternative and sustainable fuel for two of its vessels.“We note that the shipping company aims to be at the forefront of adopting ammonia in ships and has ambitions to take measures to adapt to necessary changes and future requirements towards the low-emission society,” said Astrid Lilliestråle, director of technology and market development at Enova, which offers investment aid to full-scale demonstration projects involving new energy and climate technology under live operating conditions.All 12 vessels will have engines that run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur oil, and with an ammonia-ready certification. To use ammonia as fuel, the installation of an ammonia engine and an additional tank to maintain sufficient range are required. Therefore, Höegh Autoliners applied for Enova funding for two of its 12 confirmed vessels to reduce the additional cost of this solution compared to a vessel that would be "ammonia ready".The company aims to use mostly carbon-neutral ammonia as fuel from the moment the vessels enter into service. It is expected that it could take some time before availability and price reach satisfactory levels, with a gradual ramp-up expected from 2027.
