Kamarajar Port welcomes MV Höegh Aurora, world’s largest and Greenest Car Carrier, marking historic first for Indian shores
CHENNAI : Kamarajar Port Limited achieved a landmark milestone with the successful berthing of MV Höegh Aurora, the world’s largest and most environmentally advanced Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), at its General Cargo Berth-1 on May 24, 2026.
The historic arrival marks the first visit of the cutting-edge Aurora-class vessel to Indian shores, underscoring India’s growing prominence in global automobile logistics and green maritime infrastructure. Milestone port call reinforces India’s rise in next-generation maritime logistics and sustainable shipping
Operated by Norwegian shipping major Höegh Autoliners, MV Höegh Aurora represents a new generation of sustainable deep-sea shipping. With an unmatched carrying capacity of 9,100 Car Equivalent Units (CEU) — the highest ever for a PCTC vessel — and a length of nearly 200 metres, the vessel is engineered to set new global benchmarks in efficiency, cargo flexibility, and environmental performance.
Designed across 14 cargo decks, the vessel features a 6.5-metre internal ramp capable of handling oversized, high and heavy cargo, while five liftable decks provide enhanced operational versatility for diverse cargo configurations. The ship is also fully EV-ready, enabling seamless transportation of electric vehicles without the need for additional modifications.
A defining feature of MV Höegh Aurora is its strong sustainability profile. Powered by an LNG dual-fuel propulsion system, the vessel has been future-proofed for conversion to ammonia and methanol fuels, positioning it at the forefront of the maritime industry’s transition toward low- and zero-emission shipping solutions.
The vessel further integrates advanced green technologies, including approximately 1,500 square metres of rooftop solar panels and shore power connectivity, allowing it to utilize electricity supplied from port infrastructure while berthed, significantly reducing emissions during port stays.
For Kamarajar Port, one of India’s major ports and a strategically important gateway on the east coast, the successful handling of the world’s largest PCTC demonstrates its capability to accommodate next-generation RORO vessels and reinforces its competitiveness in attracting global automotive and shipping business.
The development also strengthens the port’s ambition to emerge as a leading LNG bunkering hub on India’s east coast, with future calls by advanced LNG-powered vessels expected to support the growth of cleaner marine fuel ecosystems.
India’s automobile logistics sector continues to expand rapidly, supported by rising vehicle production and increasing export volumes. As the country strengthens its position as a global automotive manufacturing and export base, the ability to handle ultra-large RORO carriers will be critical in enhancing supply chain efficiency and strengthening competitiveness against established regional logistics hubs.
The arrival of MV Höegh Aurora also aligns with the objectives of India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to position India among the world’s top maritime nations through modern, sustainable, and future-ready port infrastructure.
The milestone call by the world’s largest and cleanest car carrier not only highlights Kamarajar Port’s operational readiness and infrastructure strength but also signals India’s accelerating transition toward greener, smarter, and globally integrated maritime logistics.
