The World Shipping Council announced on January 14 that Hoegh Autoliners has joined as a member, strengthening the representation of the vehicle carrier sector within the global liner shipping industry, reports Athens' Safety4Sea.

The council stated that liner ships carry two-thirds of the value of global trade each year. WSC represents over 90 percent of global liner capacity, spanning container, vehicle carrier, and roll-on/roll-off services. Vehicle carriers operate scheduled services that are vital to supply chains and international trade.

Hoegh Autoliners has invested in cleaner shipping through its Aurora Class newbuild project. Chief Executive Andreas Enger mentioned that the company is positioning itself as a leader in zero-emission deep-sea shipping and emphasized the need for global policies as trade patterns shift.

WSC President Joe Kramek welcomed Hoegh Autoliners, noting that vehicle carriers are a key part of liner shipping and that the company brings valuable expertise to discussions on safety, sustainability, and regulation.

Enger stated that joining WSC reflects a commitment to working with peers and policymakers to shape regulatory frameworks that support competitiveness and long-term sustainability while strengthening supply chain resilience.