China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) will build the six ships, with deliveries scheduled between 2029 and 2031. The order was first announced on 26 August. The contract value has not been disclosed, but Höegh described the terms as highly attractive and credited its long relationship with the yard and the economies of scale of a repeat series.

Like the original 12 ships, of which HÖEGH AURORA was the first to be delivered in 2024, the newbuildings will carry up to 9,100 cars on 14 decks. They will have dual-fuel LNG propulsion with Everllence main engines and Kongsberg Maritime bridge systems. The ships hold DNV ammonia-ready and methanol-ready notations and are designed for conversion to zero-carbon fuels. Höegh says the design cuts carbon emissions per car carried by up to 58% compared with conventional PCTCs.

Höegh Autoliners also holds options for four more vessels, which it can exercise within six months, and has reserved four further slots, with a decision due by 31 December 2027. If all of these go ahead, the Aurora class could grow to 26 ships.

"This is not just another vessel-building agreement. It is a statement about the future of deep-sea shipping and the role we intend to play in shaping it," said Andreas Enger. "By expanding the programme to 18 vessels, we are securing efficient, flexible and future-ready capacity while setting the pace towards zero-emission operations."

Leif O. Høegh added: "For nearly 100 years, we have developed, adapted and led the way through major changes in shipping. It is in our DNA to keep moving and challenge what is possible. This signing continues that story."

Miao Jianmin congratulated Höegh Autoliners ahead of its centenary next year. He said that CMG subsidiary China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry ranks first globally by PCTC market share, and called the partnership "a strong alliance between two century-old enterprises".

Höegh Autoliners carries about 1.6 million CEU a year and is aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040.

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