Hoegh Autoliners orders six additional dual-fuel vessels from Chinese yard

Norway's Höegh Autoliners has ordered six additional dual-fuel liquefied natural gas vessels for delivery between 2029 and 2031.

The order expands the company's newbuilding programme to 18 vessels, all of which will be constructed by China Merchants Heavy Industry Jiangsu.

Höegh secured an option to build four additional vessels under the same terms within six months, alongside slot reservations for another four ships valid until December 31, 2027.

The agreement provides flexibility to extend the overall programme to 26 vessels, including 12 ships previously delivered or on order.

Each vessel will feature a capacity of up to 9,100 cars, main engines provided by Everllence, bridge systems supplied by Kongsberg Maritime, and DNV ammonia and methanol ready notation.

The design also retains future conversion capabilities to accommodate ammonia fuel.

"Through our newbuild programme, we secure capacity costs at a competitive level, supporting profitable operations even during potential periods of lower freight rates," Chief Executive Officer Andreas Enger stated.

Enger noted that expanding the fleet strengthens the company's ability to capture growth in the Asian market while meeting evolving customer demand.