Höegh Autoliners receives funding for two ammonia-capable vessels

Norwegian shipping firm Höegh Autoliners has secured funding to make two of its pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) capable of running on ammonia. 

PHOTO: Model of Hoegh Autoliners' ammonia-powered pure truck and car carrier. Hoegh Autoliners

Höegh Autoliners’ two planned vessels have been granted a total of $14 million from Enova SF, with around $7 million for each vessel. The Norwegian government-run Enova SF is a climate and energy fund that invests in green technology. 

The two vessels are part of Höegh Autoliners' Aurora vessel series of ammonia-ready PCTCs. The firm has a total of 12 such vessels on order. Each of these ships is equipped with engines running on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) andconventional marine fuel, with an ammonia-ready DNV certification. The company plans to use the funding to equip two of the 12 vessels with an ammonia engine and an additional tank. This will ensure that the two vessels will be capable to run on ammonia right from delivery. 

The two vessels will be used to transport rolling cargo like cars, agricultural machinery, and mining equipment. Meanwhile, the company has not disclosed details about delivery dates of the two vessels.

Höegh Autoliners has already secured ammonia two-stroke engines from the German engine manufacturer MAN ES. The engine maker aims to make its two-stroke ammonia engine commercially available this year, followed by a retrofit option for existing vessels by 2025, according to the company website.

By Manjula Nair

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