The United Arab Emirates has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable maritime commerce as DP World received the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly vehicle carrier, the MV Höegh Sunrise, during its first visit to Jebel Ali Port.
Aurora-Class: A New Era in Green Shipping
The Aurora-class ship is the first in the automotive transport industry built with a zero-carbon ready structure. Designed to ultimately operate on alternative fuels like ammonia and methanol, it sets a new global benchmark for sustainable deep-sea transportation, WAM reported.
The Höegh Sunrise, capable of carrying 9,100 cars, reduces carbon emissions per vehicle by 58% compared to industry standards. On its maiden visit to Dubai from Europe, the vessel delivered 1,200 cars.
Ceremony at Jebel Ali Port
A commemorative plaque ceremony was held at Jebel Ali Port, attended by:
- Ahmed Badri, Vice President of General Cargo & RoRo at DP World GCC
- Atanu Maiti, Regional Head of Commercial Operations at Höegh Autoliners (Middle East, Africa, India, and Europe)
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, highlighted Dubai’s growing importance as a global automotive hub:
“The Höegh Sunrise stands at the forefront of sustainable shipping, and her presence strengthens Dubai’s role in promoting greener supply chains while benefiting over 940 automotive firms located in Jafza.”
Commitment to Sustainability
Höegh Autoliners CEO Andreas Enger remarked:
“The Aurora-class aims to hasten the shift toward sustainable shipping. Partnering with global hubs such as Jebel Ali enables us to serve environmentally aware customers while minimizing ecological impact.”
Dubai’s Growing Automotive Sector
This milestone comes as DP World expands its automotive logistics presence. In 2024, the company handled a record 1.3 million vehicles in Dubai — a 53.6% increase compared to the previous year.
To meet growing demand, DP World has launched a 2.6 million-square-foot vehicle storage facility at Jebel Ali’s Terminal 4 and is developing the world’s largest auto market, covering 20 million square feet.
