RoRo specialist Höegh Autoliners has ordered deck equipment from MacGregor for its new Aurora-class Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC).
MacGregor, which belongs to Cargotec, will equip the four new PCTCs with comprehensive RoRo equipment. This brings Höegh Autoliners’ Aurora class newbuilding program to twelve units. The vessels will all be built by China Merchant Heavy Industries (Jiangsu)[ds_preview].
The major order is included in Cargotec’s order intake for the fourth quarter of 2023. The vessels are scheduled for delivery between the second quarter of 2026 and the first half of 2027.
DNV classifies Höegh newbuildings
The Aurora-class vessels can transport up to 9,100 cars. They will reportedly be the largest and most environmentally friendly car carriers in the world. The DNV class will certify the newbuildings for operation with ammonia and methanol. MacGregor’s scope of supply includes the design, supply and installation support for a large stern ramp as well as one door, one side ramp and one door, internal ramp systems and liftable car decks on all four vessels.
The global order book for the car carrier fleet continues to grow – after several years of extremely low investment. The shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen also sees great demand for tonnage and is still experiencing a real boom in the transportation of cars and “heavy equipment” in the high & heavy class. This is likely to continue for some time, says manager Carsten Wendt exclusively in the new episode of the HANSA PODCAST. He talks about new construction orders (“nowhere near enough”), cargo mix, breakbulk bottlenecks, new competition from China, the loyalty of German car manufacturers and the plan not to repeat the mistakes of container shipping companies – listen to the new episode here:
“Höegh Autoliners has a clear commitment to a more sustainable future and we are delighted that they have chosen to continue working with us on the journey towards safer, more efficient and eco-efficient shipping,” says Magnus Sjöberg, Senior Vice President, Merchant Solutions, MacGregor.
“We are very pleased to continue our partnership with MacGregor. Our Aurora newbuilding program is a crucial step towards a zero-emission future by 2040, and MacGregor’s world-leading technology and expertise will benefit our operations and ensure that the Aurora vessels are built to the highest standards. Our goal is to be the preferred green partner in ocean shipping and we are committed to shaping a more sustainable future,” says Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners.
