Aurora No. 12 will combine BYD batteries, ammonia fuel, a shaft generator and solar panels in an integrated energy system, marking a new step in Höegh Autoliners’ zero-emission roadmap.

ANTALYA, 9 November 2026 – Höegh Autoliners and BYD have signed a strategic and technical cooperation agreement to install BYD battery technology aboard Aurora No. 12, the latest vessel in Höegh Autoliners’ Aurora-class PCTC programme.

Combined with ammonia fuel, a shaft generator, solar panels and other emission-reducing technologies, the battery system is expected to make Aurora No. 12 the greenest and most fuel-efficient pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) ever built.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery and entry into commercial service in May 2028.

The agreement was signed at the China Pavilion during COP31, in the presence of Huang Runqiu, China's Minister of Ecology and Environment; Liu Zhenmin, China's Special Envoy for Climate Change; and Li Gao, Vice-Minister of Ecology and Environment and head of the Chinese delegation.

Combining Multiple Green Technologies

The project will integrate BYD's battery technology with the vessel's ammonia-fuel capability, shaft generator and solar panels, allowing different energy sources to work together as an integrated onboard system.

Höegh Autoliners says this will make Aurora No. 12 the first deep-sea car carrier to combine these technologies while being capable of operating on ammonia from the day it leaves the shipyard.

“This shows that shipping can take the lead in the green transition. We are combining every green technology available on one vessel capable of running on ammonia from day one. Nobody has done that on a deep-sea car carrier before,” says Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners.

“Höegh marks its centenary next year. With this, we are positioning the company at the very front of the race to zero-emission operations, and Aurora No. 12 shows how we intend to get there. To succeed, we need partners who are just as ambitious as us, daring to think far ahead. BYD shares our belief that new technology should transform the solutions we have today, and together we are pushing towards green transport of the world’s goods,” Enger adds.

Battery Integration Expected to Reduce Emissions

The integrated combination of batteries, a shaft generator and solar panels is designed to enable more efficient onboard energy management, reducing both fuel consumption and emissions.

The project is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually.

Ammonia produces no CO₂ at the point of combustion, although the overall environmental benefits depend on how the fuel is produced. Green ammonia remains considerably more expensive than conventional marine fuels such as very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), presenting an economic challenge for wider adoption.

“We want to push ourselves technologically and learn what green technology can achieve when it is combined at its best. By working with BYD on state-of-the-art battery technology, we learn from each other and strengthen a long-term partnership for developing new technology in the maritime industry,” says Sebjørn Dahl, COO of Höegh Autoliners.

Yin Xueqin, General Manager of BYD Energy Storage and New Application Battery Division, says: "BYD is honored to partner with Höegh Autoliners in driving the low-carbon transition of ocean-going vessels. We look forward to this containerized battery solution delivering practical, scalable industrial solutions for global shipping decarbonization."

The project combines Höegh Autoliners’ maritime operating experience with BYD’s battery technology, extending the application of energy storage systems into deep-sea shipping.

Aurora Class: A Fleet Designed for Lower Emissions

Aurora No. 12 belongs to Höegh Autoliners’ Aurora class, which the company describes as its most advanced and environmentally friendly car carrier series.

The vessels are designed to be zero-carbon-ready and carry DNV ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations. Each ship has a capacity of up to 9,100 car equivalent units (CEU).

According to Höegh Autoliners, the Aurora class can reduce carbon emissions by up to 58% compared with conventional PCTCs.

The programme involves several major technology and industrial partners:

• Kongsberg Maritime: Bridge systems.

• Everllence: Main engine.

• DNV: Classification and alternative-fuel readiness.

• Deltamarin: Vessel design.

• China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI): Construction of the Aurora-class fleet.

Following an order for six additional vessels in August 2026, the Aurora programme now comprises 18 ships. Options and slot reservations could potentially increase the total to 26 vessels.

The battery agreement with BYD adds another layer to the programme, as Höegh Autoliners continues to develop the technologies required for lower- and zero-emission deep-sea vehicle transportation.