Höegh Autoliners’ Aurora Class vessel makes historic maiden call to India, strengthening Green Maritime Trade links

MUMBAI : In a landmark moment for sustainable maritime transportation and India–Norway trade relations, Höegh Autoliners’ flagship vessel, Höegh Aurora, the first of the company’s next-generation Aurora Class vessels, has successfully completed its maiden voyage to India, calling at the ports of Ennore, Mumbai, and Pipavav.

The historic visit marks a significant milestone in Höegh Autoliners’ long-standing partnership with India and coincides with a pivotal development in bilateral relations. Just weeks after the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in more than four decades, the two nations announced a Green Strategic Partnership, with green shipping identified as a key pillar of future cooperation.

As one of the most environmentally advanced Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) in operation today, Höegh Aurora represents the next generation of sustainable deep-sea shipping. Flying the Norwegian flag and designed to support the maritime industry’s decarbonization goals, the vessel is capable of reducing carbon emissions by up to 58 percent per transported vehicle compared to the current industry average.

With a carrying capacity of 9,100 Car Equivalent Units (CEU) spread across 14 cargo decks, Höegh Aurora is among the largest and most advanced car carriers ever deployed. The vessel has been engineered with future-ready technology and is designed to be capable of operating on clean ammonia-based fuel, paving the way for zero-carbon ocean transportation as fuel infrastructure becomes available from 2027 onward.

The maiden Indian voyage underscores Höegh Autoliners’ commitment to supporting India’s rapidly growing automotive manufacturing sector and expanding export ambitions. For more than 15 years, the company has connected Indian manufacturers with markets across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania through its global network of specialized vehicle carriers.

Speaking on the occasion, Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, said : “The maiden call of Höegh Aurora marks an exciting new chapter in our 15-year commitment to Indian trade. As one of our most important and dynamic markets, India plays a key role in our global network, and with Höegh Aurora we can now offer our customers industry-leading capacity and the most sustainable deep-sea transportation in our segment.”

Industry observers view the vessel’s arrival as a powerful demonstration of how international shipping can align economic growth with environmental responsibility. By combining increased cargo capacity, enhanced fuel efficiency, and readiness for future zero-emission fuels, the Aurora Class is expected to play a crucial role in supporting cleaner global supply chains.

The successful maiden calls at Ennore, Mumbai, and Pipavav not only reinforce India’s growing importance in global automotive exports but also highlight the strengthening maritime partnership between India and Norway. As trade volumes continue to rise and sustainability becomes a defining priority for global logistics, Höegh Aurora stands as a symbol of the industry’s transition toward a greener and more resilient future.

With its arrival in Indian waters, Höegh Aurora has not only opened a new chapter in automotive logistics but also demonstrated how innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration can drive the future of global maritime trade.