Höegh Autoliners and Norwegian green energy provider North Ammonia have partnered on the supply, distribution, delivery, and consumption of green ammonia, a carbon free fuel produced using renewable energy.

The partnership will enable Höegh Autoliners to meet its commitment to powering at least 5 per cent of its deep-sea operation with green ammonia by 2030 and its aim of consuming at least 100 000 metric tons of green ammonia within its fleet by that same year.

Sustainability milestone

Partnering with North Ammonia marks yet another sustainability milestone for Höegh Autoliners and is an important step on the company’s path to zero. The green ammonia is meant for the ammonia-ready dual-fuel Aurora class vessels.

As part of the ambitious newbuilding program, Höegh Autoliners have ordered eight Auroras – expecting the delivery of two every six months starting from the second half of 2024.

Designed to carry up to 9,100 cars, the Auroras are designed for future cargo as the vessels’ strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems enable electric vehicles on all decks and provide more flexibility for heavier project cargo.

Securing the supply and delivery of green ammonia from North Ammonia’s planned production facility in Arendal in southern Norway aims to help Höegh Autoliners source green ammonia safely, efficiently, and cost-competitively as a first mover and industry frontrunner sailing for sustainability in the maritime sector.

“We are proud to partner with an ambitious Norwegian green ammonia supplier to transition towards a more sustainable future. This collaboration will not only reduce our environmental impact and carbon footprint. It will also set a new standard for the industry as a whole and assist our partners and customers in decarbonizing their supply chain. We are receiving positive feedback and strong signals from major car manufacturers in Europe about enabling lower-emission transport of cars from the manufacturing site to the customers. We are excited to be at the forefront of the movement towards a greener, more sustainable future for all,” says Höegh Autoliners’ CEO, Andreas Enger.

Investment in future technology

“Höegh Autoliners is investing heavily in future technology, low emission fuels and newbuilds to further strengthen our service offering and meet our ambitious environmental targets and those of our customers,” says COO of Höegh Autoliners, Sebjørn Dahl.

“The fact that green ammonia is becoming a totally viable maritime fuel is a game-changer for our industry. We believe it will set the standard for others to follow. I thought this development would be achievable in 10 years’ time. But technology is moving faster than expected and the future is here. This partnership will ensure that we and our Norwegian industry suppliers will be well-positioned for seizing that very future. With this partnership, we are adding yet another steppingstone in designing the infrastructure of the future – with a green and sustainable focus,” Dahl added.

North Ammonia was established by Grieg Maritime Group and Arendals Fossekompani in 2021 to enable change in the maritime sector. The aim is to make green ammonia available at large scale and become Norway’s number one green energy provider for the maritime sector.