The world’s largest and most environmentally advanced vehicle carrier, MV Höegh Sunrise, made its inaugural call at Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port this week, marking a significant development in sustainable maritime logistics.

Built by Höegh Autoliners, the Aurora-class vessel represents a new generation of deep-sea car carriers designed with a zero-carbon ready configuration. It is capable of operating on alternative fuels such as ammonia and methanol, aligning with global efforts to reduce emissions in the shipping industry.

The ship can transport up to 9,100 vehicles and achieves a 58% reduction in carbon emissions per unit compared to current industry benchmarks. On its maiden voyage to Jebel Ali from Europe, the Höegh Sunrise delivered 1,200 vehicles.

A ceremony held at Jebel Ali Port to mark the occasion was attended by executives from both DP World and Höegh Autoliners, including Ahmed Badri, Vice President of General Cargo & RoRo at DP World GCC, and Atanu Maiti, Regional Head of Commercial Operations at Höegh Autoliners.

“This vessel is setting a new benchmark for sustainable automotive transport,” said Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC. “Its arrival reflects Dubai’s growing role as a global logistics hub and reinforces our commitment to greener supply chains.”

Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, added that collaboration with ports like Jebel Ali is critical to accelerating the shift toward lower-emission shipping solutions.

DP World reported handling a record 1.3 million vehicles in Dubai in 2024 - a 53.6% increase year-over-year - and continues to scale its automotive logistics infrastructure. In August, the company opened a new 2.6 million-square-foot vehicle storage yard at Terminal 4 and is developing what it says will be the world’s largest auto market, spanning 20 million square feet.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.