Svitzer, a global towage provider, and Höegh Autoliners, a global provider of ocean transportation services in the Roll-on, Roll-off segment, have partnered to deliver Svitzer’s first-ever EcoTow solution in Australia, servicing the largest and most environmentally friendly car-carrier vessel class in the world on its call to four ports ‘Down Under’.
EcoTow is Svitzer’s carbon insetting solution, and it has provided a nearly 100% reduction in CO2 emissions relating to the towage operations of Höegh Aurora’s port calls during its maiden voyage to Australia. With the EcoTow solution, the carbon emissions from towage jobs are mass balanced by carbon credits generated by Svitzer’s use of biofuel across its international towage operations. The neutralisation effect is established by an external auditor and documented through certification and assurance reporting.
Towage is one of the largest carbon emitters in port operations in Australia, and Svitzer has a decarbonisation strategy targeting its reduction, including via biofuel and battery powered tugs.
Höegh Aurora is a multi-fuel capable vessel – cutting carbon emissions per car transported by 58% compared to the current industry standard. The uptake of EcoTow by Höegh Autoliners in Australia highlights the significant progress in maritime decarbonisation and potential net zero operations possible in the future.
In September, Svitzer also contracted the build of the world’s first battery electric-methanol hybrid TRAnsverse tug – which will offer carbon neutral towage for the majority of the tug’s operations. The tug design offers the Port authorities and shipping line companies a towage solution able to support sustainable ‘Green Port’ and ‘Green Shipping Corridor’ ambitions.
The Höegh Aurora’s maiden voyage to Australia occurred in late December 2024, departing 30 December after completing a four-port visit to Australia where it has transported cars to the Australian retail automotive market via ports at Fremantle, Melbourne, Port Kembla and Brisbane.
