Le Havre welcomes the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly Ro-Ro vessel
The Aurora, the flagship of Höegh Autoliners’ new roll-on/roll-off vessels, made its maiden call at the Port of Le Havre on 7 October 2024.
The first in a series of 12 ro-ro vessels ordered from China Merchants Industry, the Aurora is the first in the Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC) class. Capable of running on LNG or biofuels, it has received DNV ‘ammonia-ready’ and ‘methanol-ready’ certifications. Its propulsion system will also be able to use future zero-emission fuels such as ammonia.
Unlike vessels currently operating in this segment, emissions from this series of ro-ro ships are reduced by 58 per cent for each vehicle carried, compared with standard vessels currently in service.
The Aurora can carry up to 9,100 cars, making it the world’s largest car carrier. It will help Höegh Autoliners achieve several milestones:
- achieving the 2040 target: the IMO has reached an agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70 to 80 per cent by 2040, thereby going beyond the European Union’s target of climate neutrality by 2050;
- achieving the goal of zero-carbon port calls championed by the Port of Le Havre, thereby enhancing the appeal of its ro-ro terminal.
Sources: Haropa Port 21 October 2024 / Nautilus
