Hoegh Aurora, the flagship vessel of Hoegh Autoliners’ next-generation Aurora Class fleet, has completed its historic maiden calls at the Indian ports of Ennore, Mumbai, and Pipavav. The milestone marks a significant step in the company’s long-term commitment to India’s rapidly expanding manufacturing, automotive, and industrial export sectors.
The vessel’s arrival reinforces Hoegh Autoliners’ role in supporting India’s growing integration into global trade networks through advanced and sustainable ocean transportation solutions.
Strengthening India's Global Export Connectivity
For more than 15 years, Hoegh Autoliners has connected Indian manufacturers with international markets across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The company has transported millions of cubic metres of automobiles, industrial equipment, and project cargo from Indian ports to customers worldwide.
Key export cargoes handled by Hoegh Autoliners include:
- Passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles
- Metro coaches and rolling stock
- Locomotives
- Construction and mining equipment
- Agricultural machinery
- Industrial and project cargo
The maiden voyage of Hoegh Aurora further enhances shipping capacity available to Indian exporters while supporting the country’s ambitions to become a leading global manufacturing hub.
India Emerges as a Strategic Market for Hoegh Autoliners
According to Hoegh Autoliners, India remains one of the company’s most important and fastest-growing markets.
The introduction of the Aurora Class fleet enables the company to offer:
- Higher cargo-carrying capacity
- Greater operational efficiency
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Enhanced cargo flexibility
- Future-ready shipping solutions
The vessel is specifically designed to support growing demand from India’s automotive, engineering, infrastructure, and heavy equipment industries.
World's Most Environmentally Friendly PCTC
The Aurora Class represents a major advancement in sustainable maritime transportation and reflects Hoegh Autoliners’ long-term decarbonisation strategy.
Designed as the world’s most environmentally friendly Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), Hoegh Aurora incorporates advanced technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.
Sustainability Features
- Multi-fuel ready vessel design
- Advanced MAN engines capable of operating on LNG and Marine Gas Oil (MGO)
- Prepared for future ammonia and methanol propulsion
- Prepared for future ammonia and methanol propulsion
- Up to 58% lower carbon emissions per vehicle transported compared with current industry standards
The Aurora Class is expected to play a key role in Hoegh Autoliners’ goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
Largest PCTC Ever to Call an Indian Port
With a carrying capacity of 9,100 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs), Hoegh Aurora is the largest Pure Car and Truck Carrier ever to call at an Indian port.
The vessel surpasses the company’s Horizon Class ships, which have a capacity of 8,500 CEUs and have regularly served Indian ports since 2017.
The increased capacity enables more efficient transportation of vehicles and large industrial cargoes while reducing emissions per shipment.
Built for High & Heavy and Project Cargo
In addition to automobiles, the Aurora Class has been purpose-built to transport oversized, heavy-lift, and project cargo.
Advanced Cargo Handling Features
- Strengthened decks for heavier cargo loads
- Wide internal ramps for smooth cargo movement
- Shore ramp with a Safe Working Load (SWL) of up to 375 metric tonnes
- 12-metre-wide and 6.5-metre-high stern door opening
- Enhanced deck heights for greater cargo flexibility
