Höegh Autoliners on Tuesday (22 September) said it has formally signed a contract with China Merchants Group (CMG) for six additional Aurora class pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). 

The contract was signed during a high-level meeting in Naples attended by senior representatives from both companies, including Miao Jianmin, Chairman of China Merchants Group. Chair of Höegh Autoliners, Leif O. Høegh, and Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners.

The six additional dual-fuel LNG and zero-carbon-ready vessels will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI) and delivered between 2029 and 2031. 

With 18 Aurora Class vessels in the programme, Höegh Autoliners is building the fleet needed for a zero- emission future and setting the pace for the transformation of deep-sea shipping.

The Aurora Class vessels can carry up to 9,100 cars and reduce carbon emissions per transported car by up to 58 per cent compared with conventional PCTCs. They have DNV’s ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations and are designed to be converted to run on future zero-carbon fuels.

Leif O. Høegh, Chair of the Board of Directors of Höegh Autoliners, said: “For nearly 100 years, we have developed, adapted and led the way through major changes in shipping. It is in our DNA to keep moving and challenge what is possible. This signing continues that story. We are investing in the vessels that will define our fleet for decades and help move our industry towards zero emissions.”

Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, said: “This is not just another vessel-building agreement. It is a statement about the future of deep-sea shipping and the role we intend to play in shaping it. The Aurora Class is at the heart of our fleet renewal and our path to a sustainable future. By expanding the programme to 18 vessels, we are securing efficient, flexible and future-ready capacity while setting the pace towards zero-emission operations.”

Miao Jianmin, Chairman of China Merchants Group, said: “Höegh Autoliners is a pioneer in international shipping and will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. We would like to offer our congratulations in advance! Over the past century, Höegh Autoliners has achieved remarkable development and has grown into a leading company in the global RoRo shipping sector. We truly admire what you have accomplished.”

Photo credit: Höegh Autoliners
Published: 24 September, 2026

Europe’s multimodal logistics providers CLdN on Tuesday (22 September) announced it has placed an order for two new 6,700 lane-metre RoRo vessels with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD Hyundai HI).

Construction of the new vessels is set to begin towards the beginning of 2028, with delivery scheduled for mid-2029. 

“The ships will be the 15th and 16th vessels ordered by CLdN from the South Korean shipbuilder over the past 10 years,” the company said on its website. 

The new vessels will be dual-fuel capable, able to run on standard marine diesel or LNG, and will be built with space reserved for the future addition of larger electric shaft generators and batteries as the technology matures.

While fuel consumption per vessel is expected to be similar to that of CLdN’s existing 5,000 lane-metre class ships, the increased cargo capacity of the new vessels is expected to deliver 30 to 40% better fuel efficiency per tonne-kilometre of cargo carried making the vessels the most fuel-efficient RoRo ships in the world.

The new vessels are designed with one additional deck and increased ground space compared to CLdN’s existing 5,000 lane-metre class ships, with a configuration specifically adapted for trailer cargo. 

“The addition of these vessels to CLdN’s fleet will ensure customers benefit from an even broader range of shipping options via CLdN’s extensive fleet of RoRo and container vessels,” the company said. 

Photo credit: CLdN
Published: 24 September, 2026

Singapore bunker supplier Golden Island Pte Ltd on Monday (21 September) said it has signed a strategic framework agreement with Qingdao Port International Co Ltd to collaborate on the supply of alternative marine fuels.

The agreement covers green methanol, green ammonia and bio-LNG, with cooperation spanning fuel production and transportation through to storage, sales and bunkering.

“By combining our MPA-licensed bunkering capabilities with Qingdao Port’s incredible logistics and strategic hub position, we are building something truly robust for the global shipping industry’s low-carbon future,” the company said in a statement. 

Qingdao Port International, which operates five major port areas in China, will bring its logistics network, storage facilities and customs clearance capabilities to the partnership.

Golden Island is licensed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to conduct methanol bunkering and is ISCC EU-certified.

The companies are also engaging with container liners, bulk carriers, oil tankers and cruise ships regarding the adoption of alternative marine fuels.

Photo credit: Golden Island Pte Ltd
Published: 22 September, 2026