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The Aurora-class vessel is the first in the automotive shipping sector designed with a zero-carbon ready framework.
WAM
The United Arab Emirates has marked a major milestone in sustainable maritime trade as DP World welcomed the world’s largest and greenest vehicle carrier, the MV Höegh Sunrise, on its maiden call to Jebel Ali Port.
The Aurora-class vessel is the first in the automotive shipping sector designed with a zero-carbon ready framework. Built to eventually run on alternative fuels such as ammonia and methanol, it sets a new global benchmark for sustainable deep-sea transport, WAM reported.
With capacity for 9,100 cars, the Höegh Sunrise reduces carbon emissions per vehicle by 58 percent compared to current industry standards. Arriving from Europe, it carried 1,200 vehicles on its first call to Dubai.
A commemorative plaque ceremony was held at Jebel Ali Port, attended by Ahmed Badri, Vice President of General Cargo & RoRo at DP World GCC, and Atanu Maiti, Regional Head of Commercial Operations at Höegh Autoliners for the Middle East, Africa, India, and Europe.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, said the vessel’s arrival underscores Dubai’s role as a global automotive hub.
“The Höegh Sunrise is a leader in sustainable shipping, and her arrival reinforces Dubai’s position in enabling greener supply chains while supporting more than 940 automotive companies based in Jafza,” he noted.
Höegh Autoliners CEO Andreas Enger added: “The Aurora-class is designed to accelerate the transition to sustainable shipping. Partnering with global hubs like Jebel Ali allows us to serve carbon-conscious customers reliably while reducing their environmental footprint.”
The milestone comes as DP World expands its automotive logistics footprint. The company handled a record 1.3 million vehicles in Dubai in 2024 - a 53.6 percent increase from the previous year. To meet surging demand, it recently opened a 2.6 million-square-foot vehicle storage yard at Jebel Ali’s Terminal 4 and is developing what will become the world’s largest auto market, spanning 20 million square feet.
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