Höegh Autoliners was granted NOK109.4 million (US$10.37 million) in funding as part of its "Ammonia fuelled vessel programme." This will ensure that four of the company's Aurora-class vessels can run fully on ammonia fuel when they are delivered.
The funding is made available through Norwegian state-owned financing agency Enova. Höegh Autoliners will receive a total of NOK255.4 million (US$24.21 million) in Enova funding. The purpose of the funding is to establish the first functioning value chains for ammonia and hydrogen for maritime purposes.
Höegh Autoliners has a total of 12 Aurora-class vessels on order. The vessels will transport rolling cargo such as cars, agricultural machinery, and mining equipment, as well as general solo cargo needing to be shipped.
The first eight Aurora-class vessels will run on LNG, with the lead unit being delivered in August. These vessels are designed to be converted to run on ammonia.
The ammonia engine technology will be ready in 2026, allowing Höegh Autoliners to build the last four vessels to run on ammonia from the start. These vessels will be delivered in 2027.