Höegh Australis Marks an Ecological Milestone on its First Stop at the Port of Santander

 

The Raos 8 dock of the Port of Santander witnessed a significant event for the maritime industry and the commitment to sustainability. The Höegh Australis, an imposing Aurora-class vessel belonging to the Höegh Autoliners fleet, made its first stop in the Cantabrian capital. This inaugural visit was commemorated with the presentation of a metope by the head of road traffic of the Port Authority of Santander (APS), Patricio Arrarte, to the captain of the ship, Brian C. Bat-QuinnThe director of Höegh Autoliners in Spain was also present at the event, Iñaki Echeverría.

 

The Höegh Australis, which arrived from Southampton, is the fourth of twelve Aurora-class vessels being built by Höegh Autoliners. This series of vessels represents a qualitative leap in maritime vehicle transport, combining exceptional cargo capacity with a cutting-edge design focused on reducing environmental impact.

 

“It is an honor for the Port of Santander to receive an Aurora-class vessel like the Höegh Australis for the first time,” declared Patricio Arrarte during the presentation of the commemorative plaque. “This call underscores our port’s role as a strategic hub for roll-on/roll-off traffic and encourages us to continue working to promote more sustainable maritime practices. Höegh Autoliners’ commitment to innovation and environmental protection is fully aligned with our objectives.”

 

For its part, Iñaki EcheverríaThe director in Spain of Höegh Autoliners, expressed his satisfaction with this first visit. “The Höegh Australis’s stop in Santander is an important milestone for us. This vessel represents our vision of a greener and more efficient maritime future. We are proud to introduce to the market vessels that are not only the largest of their kind, but also the most advanced in terms of sustainability, with the ability to operate on zero-emission ammonia.”

 

The Höegh Australis, with its 200 meters in length and a capacity to transport up to 9.100 vehicles, docked in Santander to load 1.300 units destined for South Africa, Australia and New ZealandThis Norwegian-flagged vessel, consigned by Davila Agencies, stands out for its fourteen reinforced decks and optimized internal ramp systems, allowing it to transport electric vehicles on all decks.

 

The Aurora Class: A New Standard in Maritime Sustainability

 

Höegh Autoliners' Aurora Class is poised to revolutionize maritime vehicle transport. These PCTCs are not only the largest in the world, but are also positioned as the most environmentally friendly, driving the shipping line's decarbonization efforts and setting a new standard for more sustainable offshore transport.

 

A crucial aspect of the Aurora Class is its readiness to operate with zero-carbon ammonia propulsion. These vessels are the first in their segment to receive the certification. DNV “ammonia-ready” and “methanol-ready”. The main engine was designed by MAN, and the bridge system was supplied by Kongsberg Maritime, ensuring cutting-edge technology for future operation with alternative fuels.

 

Höegh Autoliners is actively working with leading global ammonia distributors to drive the industry toward a net-zero emissions future and create demand for sustainable fuels that accelerate the energy transition in the maritime sector.

 

Cutting-edge technology and environmental commitment

 

The Höegh Australis incorporates the latest maritime technology, including cutting-edge security and digitalization solutions. It is also equipped to use shore-based power (OPS), enabling port operations without generating polluting emissions.

 

As a member of the First Movers Coalition, Höegh Autoliners has made a firm commitment to sustainability, powering at least 5% of its offshore operations with green ammonia by 2027. The company aims to operate its fleet with at least 100.000 metric tons of green ammonia by that same year, demonstrating its leadership in the transition to decarbonized shipping.

 

The twelve ships that make up the Aurora Class are twins, being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI), classified by DNV and registered under the Norwegian flag, underscoring the solidity and rigor of this ambitious project, which marks a turning point in the maritime vehicle transport industry. The Höegh Australis's stopover in Santander is not just a ceremonial visit, but a symbol of the future of maritime transport: larger, more efficient, and, above all, greener.