A partnership between Höegh Autoliners and Norwegian green energy provider North Ammonia has been announced for the supply of green ammonia for use on board the ro-ro transportation provider’s dual-fuel Aurora class vessels, which are stated to be the most environmentally friendly Pure Car Truck Carriers (PCTC) built to date.
Höegh Autoliners aims to power by 2030 a minimum of 5% of its deep-sea operations with carbon-free green ammonia produced using renewable energy, and is targeting the consumption by its fleet of 100,000 metric tons of green ammonia by the same year.
To date, Höegh has ordered eight Auroras – with the expected delivery of two vessels every six months beginning in the second half of 2024. The PCTCs will be able to carry up to 9,100 vehicles each, with strengthened decks and internal ramp systems.
The Eydehavn site at the Port of Arendal in Norway has been selected by North Ammonia as the location for the production, storage and export infrastructure due to its strategic position as a pathway to the rest of Europe in addition to being an ideal location for green ammonia production with access to the power grid and a supply of renewable power. The company aims to begin operations in 2027.
The bunkering location for the green ammonia partnership is expected to be in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp area.
“We are proud to partner with an ambitious Norwegian green ammonia supplier to transition toward a more sustainable future,” said Andreas Enger, CEO, Höegh Autoliners. “This collaboration will not only reduce our environmental impact and carbon footprint. It will also set a new standard for the industry as a whole and assist our partners and customers in decarbonizing their supply chain.”
“The fact that green ammonia is becoming a totally viable maritime fuel is a game-changer for our industry,” explained Sebjørn Dahl COO, Höegh Autoliners. “We believe it will set the standard for others to follow. I thought this development would be achievable in 10 years’ time. But technology is moving faster than expected and the future is here. This partnership will ensure that we and our Norwegian industry suppliers will be well-positioned for seizing that very future. With this partnership, we are adding yet another steppingstone in designing the infrastructure of the future – with a green and sustainable focus.”
“We are proud to support Höegh Autoliners’ ambitious sustainability initiative,” said Vidar Lundberg, CEO, North Ammonia. “In the maritime energy transition, we are dependent on first movers such as Höegh and this partnership demonstrates the growing demand for green ammonia in deep-sea shipping.”