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

Classification society ABS on Monday (21 September) said it has awarded HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) approval in principle (AIP) for the basic design of a 22,000 CBM bunkering vessel capable of supplying ammonia as marine fuel.

The approval is the result of a joint development project initiated earlier this year. ABS reviewed the design’s general arrangement, machinery arrangement, ammonia cargo handling system and fuel supply system against applicable class and international requirements.

Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering, said: “Bunkering infrastructure is a critical step for any marine fuel to scale, and it has to be implemented with safety designed in from the start.

“This AIP reflects the industry’s need for fuel flexibility while advancing the safe bunkering of ammonia. ABS is proud to support HD HHI and HD KSOE as they develop technologies that expand fuel flexibility.”

Ryu Hong-Ryeul, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of HD HHI, said: “As ammonia rapidly emerges as a viable low-carbon alternative fuel, demand for ammonia bunkering vessels is expected to grow in line with the increasing adoption of ammonia-fuelled ships. 

“This AIP marks a significant milestone toward the commercialisation of ammonia bunkering vessels.”

ABS and the HD Hyundai group have worked together across a range of technologies supporting ammonia as a marine fuel. Recent projects have included AIP for HD KSOE’s ammonia cargo handling and bunkering system and initial review for HD HHI’s machinery arrangement in engine room.

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 22 September, 2026

Trafigura on Monday (21 September) announced it has established a new, dedicated group company, Volare Shipping Ltd, to own, operate and scale a modern fleet of oil tankers. 

Volare Shipping’s fleet, initially comprised of six Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) on the water and eight newbuild vessels on order, will be commercially managed by Trafigura’s global shipping business.

In connection with the company’s launch, Volare Shipping has disclosed a contemplated Private Placement to raise approximately USD 500 million and a subsequent proposed listing of the company’s shares on Euronext Growth Oslo. Following the proposed listing, Trafigura will be the majority-owner of Volare Shipping.

Subject to, among other things, Euronext Oslo Børs’ approval of the company’s listing application, and a successful completion of the Private Placement, the company’s shares are expected to commence trading on Euronext Growth Oslo on or about 5 October 2026, under the ticker “VLCC”.

Trafigura currently manages approximately 500 vessels across multiple segments, including around 250 oil tankers.

Volare Shipping currently operates six VLCCs and has eight newbuild vessels on order, delivering progressively between 2026 and 2028.

Andrea Olivi, Global Head of Shipping at Trafigura and Chair of the Board of Directors of Volare Shipping, said: “Trafigura’s growing footprint in the VLCC segment has revealed a clear opportunity to invest further in modern tonnage, alongside outside investors. Long-term fundamentals in crude oil transportation remain supportive, and a dedicated, listed company gives Volare Shipping investors direct exposure to the sector. 

“Oslo is home to one of the world’s leading stock exchanges for shipping companies. Access to this market will provide Volare Shipping with a strong platform for growth, and we look forward to scaling this new platform alongside other shareholders.”

Alexandre Duff, Chief Executive Officer of Volare Shipping, said: “Volare Shipping combines one of the youngest and most technically-advanced VLCC fleets in the market with access to Trafigura’s global trading, chartering and analytics platform. 

“Once the remaining newbuild vessels are delivered, we will own 14 modern VLCCs. The contemplated private placement will fully fund our current newbuilding programme, while our proven operational expertise positions Volare Shipping to deliver attractive long-term value for all shareholders.”

The newbuild vessels are larger than standard tankers and can carry greater cargo volumes. They are also fitted with additional internal tank coating and heating systems, enabling them to transport a wider range of cargo types. All vessels comply with international environmental and regulatory standards and have ammonia-ready dual-fuel capability.

Photo credit: Trafigura
Published: 22 September, 2026