A big year for transitioning to net-zero decarbonization will see roll-on roll-of (ro-ro) company, Höegh Autoliners, introduce its much anticipated Aurora Class vessels to the global ro-ro business.
Tipped as the “largest and most environmentally friendly car carrier in the industry”, the Norwegian innovator’s Aurora vessels will also be the first in the pure care truck carrier (PCTC) segment of the industry to receive ammonia and methanol-ready notations by classification society, Det Norske Veritas (DNV).
Höegh states that the Aurora Class accelerates its net-zero efforts as it is the most environmentally friendly car carrier ever built.
Twelve of the vessels have been ordered and delivery of the first two are expected around the middle of 2024.
The arrival of the first Auroras will be “another decisive step on Höegh Autoliner's path to zero”, the company said.
The vessels will be powered by MAN and the bridge system supplied by Kongsberg Maritime.
News from Höegh about the Auroras coincides with an Oxford study that has found that “green ammonia could be used to fulfill the fuel demands of over 60% of global shipping by targeting just the top 10 regional fuel ports,” Science Daily reports.
“Researchers looked at the production costs of ammonia which are similar to very low sulphur fuels, and concluded that the fuel could be a viable option to help decarbonize international shipping by 2050,” the publication writes.
According to the study, Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability, about $2 trillion will be needed to transition to a green ammonia fuel supply chain by 2050, primarily to finance supply infrastructure.
- Read the rest of the article here: Green ammonia could decarbonize 60% of global shipping when offered at just 10 regional fuel ports
