Höegh Autoliners has taken a groundbreaking step toward sustainable maritime transport by ordering ammonia-powered engines for its Aurora-class Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs). This development positions the company as a leader in the maritime industry's push for decarbonization, offering valuable insights for seafarers and maritime professionals navigating the transition to greener technologies.

The Norwegian shipping company has secured four 7S60ME-LGIA dual-fuel ammonia engines from Everllence, a German manufacturer specializing in propulsion and decarbonization solutions. These engines, to be built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, will power the final four of Höegh Autoliners’ 12 Aurora-class vessels, constructed at China Merchants Heavy Industry in Jiangsu, China. This marks one of the first commercial uses of ammonia propulsion in large ocean-going ships, a significant milestone for the industry.

Sebjørn Dahl, Höegh Autoliners’ Chief Operations Officer, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “These engines are the core of our vessels. We are honored that Everllence trusts us to integrate some of the world’s first two-stroke ammonia engines into our Aurora-class fleet.” The vessels, designed to initially run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels, and low-sulfur oil, are equipped to transition to ammonia, a carbon-neutral fuel that could reduce emissions by up to 100%.

The Aurora-class vessels, with a capacity of 9,100 car equivalent units (CEU), are set to redefine standards in the PCTC sector. The first ship, Höegh Aurora, launched in August 2024, and the final four vessels are expected to operate on ammonia by 2027, aligning with Höegh Autoliners’ goal of zero-carbon fuel operations for large PCTCs. When powered by carbon-neutral ammonia, these ships will cut carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58% compared to industry averages, earning them the title of the largest and most eco-friendly PCTCs ever built.

Everllence, previously known as MAN Energy Solutions, has been refining ammonia propulsion technology for years. Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business at Everllence, noted that this order is part of a broader effort, with ammonia pilot projects underway in China, Japan, and South Korea. “We’ve taken a cautious, safety-first approach due to ammonia’s unique risks,” Foldager said. “We believe ammonia, alongside methanol and methane, will become a major alternative fuel for shipping.”

Christian Ludwig, Head of Two-Stroke Sales and Promotion at Everllence, highlighted the reliability of the 7S60ME-LGIA engines. “Our two-stroke ammonia test engine has been operational since 2023, and its combustion performance meets our expectations,” he said. The design builds on proven dual-fuel engine concepts, incorporating innovations like sealing-oil systems for fuel-booster injection valves to enhance efficiency. By the end of 2026, Everllence anticipates several demonstration projects to support the commercial rollout of ammonia engines across various bore sizes.

For seafarers, understanding ammonia as a marine fuel is increasingly critical. Unlike traditional fuels, ammonia is carbon-neutral but poses handling challenges due to its toxicity. This requires specialized training in fuel management, safety protocols, and engine operations. The Aurora-class vessels have earned DNV’s ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations, signaling their readiness for alternative fuels and offering mariners hands-on experience with cutting-edge propulsion systems.

Höegh Autoliners’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond engine technology. The company’s green fleet renewal program reflects the maritime industry’s broader shift toward compliance with stricter environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals. As ammonia-powered vessels become more common, seafarers will need to adapt to new operational standards, ensuring safe and efficient handling of these advanced systems.

This development underscores the importance of continuous learning in the maritime sector. Professionals must stay informed about alternative fuels, engine technologies, and safety practices to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Höegh Autoliners’ Aurora-class vessels serve as a model for the future of sustainable shipping, offering valuable lessons for crews preparing to operate next-generation vessels.

Resource: gCaptain