DP World has welcomed the MV Höegh Sunrise, the largest and most advanced environmentally friendly car and truck carrier in the world, which made its maiden call at Jebel Ali Port from Europe, carrying 1,200 vehicles.
The Aurora-class vessels are among the first designed to achieve carbon neutrality, with the potential to operate in the future using clean fuels like ammonia and methanol. This sets a new benchmark for sustainable long-distance maritime transport.
This carrier can transport up to 9,100 vehicles while reducing carbon emissions by 58% per vehicle shipped compared to current standards for similar car transport ships.
To mark this occasion, a ceremony took place at Jebel Ali Port featuring the exchange of commemorative plaques, attended by Ahmed Badri, Vice President of General Cargo and Roll-on/Roll-off at DP World, GCC, and Atano Maietti, Regional Head of Commercial Operations at Höegh Autoliners for the Middle East, Africa, India, and Europe.
Abdullah bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World, GCC, stated that the arrival of the vessel in Dubai solidifies the emirate’s position as a global hub for the automotive sector. By handling the largest and most modern vehicle carriers, we contribute to advancing more sustainable supply chains and support over 940 automotive companies based in JAFZA.
Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, emphasized that the design of Aurora-class carriers aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable shipping. Collaborating with leading facilities such as Jebel Ali Port is a crucial step in achieving this goal, allowing customers focused on sustainability to transport their goods reliably while reducing their carbon footprint.
In 2024, DP World set a record for vehicle handling in Dubai, managing 1.3 million cars, a 53.6% increase compared to 2023, highlighting the growing role of the emirate in global automotive trade.
Last August, DP World enhanced its logistics capabilities for the automotive sector at Jebel Ali Port by launching a new vehicle storage yard at Container Terminal 4, covering an area of 2.6 million square feet. The company is also currently developing the world’s largest car market, spanning 20 million square feet.