Höegh Autoliners fixes fuel supply for ammonia-ready newbuilds

Norway’s Höegh Autoliners has partnered up with compatriot green energy provider North Ammonia for the supply of green ammonia for its multi-fuel and zero-carbon ready 9,100 ceu Aurora Class vessels under construction in China.

The Oslo-based company said the partnership will enable it to meet its commitment to powering at least 5% of its deep-sea operations with green ammonia by 2030 and its aim of consuming at least 100,000 metric tons of green ammonia in its fleet by that same year.

Höegh Autoliners has eight ammonia-ready ships on order at China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI), with two expected to deliver every six months starting in the second half of 2024. The company also has an option for another four units until the end of July 2023, as well as additional yard slot reservations.

North Ammonia was established by Grieg Maritime Group and Arendals Fossekompani in 2021 with the aim of making green ammonia available on a large scale. The company has selected the Eydehavn site at the Port of Arendal as the location for its first production, storage and export infrastructure, targeting the commencement of operations in 2027.

The bunkering location for the green ammonia in the partnership with Höegh Autoliners is likely to take place in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp area. The distribution of the green ammonia to bunkering locations in Europe may be provided by Grieg’s future ammonia bunkering vessels.

“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 decarbonising 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,” said Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners.

Sebjørn Dahl, chief of operations at Höegh Autoliners, added: “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.”