The Höegh Aurora, the world’s newly crowned largest car carrier, has called at both the Durban and Port Elizabeth ports this month as she makes her way around the world.

The Aurora started operations in August.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) reports “seamless berthing” of the 200-m-long vessel on both occasions.

The Aurora is the first ship in a series of 12 to be commissioned for Norwegian operator Höegh Autoliners, with each of the China-made vessels able to accommodate up to 9 100 passenger cars, compared with the current record of 8 500 cars (also within the Höegh Autoliners fleet).

The Aurora has 14 decks, five of which are height-adjustable.

The next 11 ships in the series are to be delivered until the first half of 2027.

The first Aurora Class vessels will be running on liquefied natural gas, biofuels, and low-sulphur oil.

From 2027, however, the aim is that the last four of the 12 Aurora Class vessels will run on clean, green ammonia, reducing emissions by close to 100%.

Höegh Autoliners says it has already partnered with ammonia producers to ensure the supply and use of green ammonia, including Yara Clean Ammonia, Norwegian North Ammonia and Sumitomo Corporation.

In addition to its cleaner power sources, the Aurora boasts 1 500 m² of solar panels on the top deck, reducing electricity production from generators by up to 35%.

The supersizing of car carriers is not set to stop with the Aurora, with another Norwegian operator, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, to receive the first of four 11 700-car vessels in 2027.

TNPA reports that it managed to berth the Aurora “on-time and seamlessly”, with the aid of its new tug fleet.

TNPA Port of Durban manager Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi says this demonstrates Durban’s capacity to handle the world’s largest and most advanced vessels.

The Port Elizabeth Car Terminal regarded the berthing of Höegh Aurora as a major milestone.

The vessel discharged 1 966 imported vehicles from the Bremerhaven and Santander ports in Germany and Spain, respectively, in a 16-hour operation.

“Welcoming Höegh Aurora is a proud moment for our terminal,” says Transnet Port Terminals Eastern Cape region managing executive Wandisa Vazi.

“It demonstrates our ability to manage high-volume shipments efficiently, while showcasing our commitment to supporting South Africa’s automotive sector.”

Vazi says the Port Elizabeth Car Terminal has, in the last seven months of the 2024/25 financial year, handled 114 041 vehicles against a budgeted volume of 105 596 vehicles.