Höegh Autoliners secures funding for ammonia-fuelled PCTC project

Shipping company Höegh Autoliners on Tuesday (5 March) said it was granted almost USD 14 million (NOK 146 million) in Enova funding to use ammonia as a bunker fuel for two of its vessels.

The firm said the grant will support its ambition to make the Aurora Class the world’s first PCTC vessel to run on ammonia.

Director of Technology and Market Development in Enova, Astrid Lilliestråle was pleased with Höegh Autioliners’ plans to introduce ammonia-powered vessels to its fleet.

“We note that the shipping company aims to be at the forefront of adopting ammonia in ships and has ambitions to take measures to adapt to necessary changes and future requirements towards the low-emission society,” Lilliestråle said.

Höegh Autoliners has a total of 12 Aurora Class vessels on order. The vessels transport rolling cargo such as cars, agricultural machinery, and mining equipment, as well as general solo cargo needing to be shipped.

All 12 vessels are designed with engines that run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulfur oil, and with an ammonia-ready certification from DNV. To use ammonia as bunker fuel, the installation of an ammonia engine and an additional tank to maintain sufficient range are required.

Therefore, Höegh Autoliners has applied for Enova funding for two of their 12 confirmed vessels to reduce the additional cost of this solution compared to a vessel that would be “ammonia ready”.

Höegh Autoliners added it has secured access to the first ammonia 2-stroke engines delivered by MAN.

Each of Höegh Autoliners’ two planned ammonia vessels has been granted almost USD 7 million (NOK 73 million), with the total coming to almost USD 14 million (NOK 146 million).

Photo credit: Höegh Autoliners
Published: 7 March 2024