The Norwegian-flagged vehicle carrier Hoegh Aurora paid US$500,000 to cross the Panama Canal and in passing became the largest vessel of its kind to use the expanded waterway setting a new record in maritime transport.

With a capacity for 9,100 vehicles, the Hoegh Aurora not only carries standard cars, but also heavy equipment, such as trucks and other specialized vehicles.

Its design incorporates 1,500 square meters of solar panels on the top cover and is equipped with ecological technology for the reduction of carbon emissions, which positions it as a benchmark in sustainability within the shipping industry.

The ship, which is 200 meters long and 37 meters wide, faced a brief detention at the Cocolí locks, due to the dense fog in the Corte Culebra, however, it is expected that its transit will continue smoothly towards the Agua Clara locks, before continuing its route.

The last ship of similar characteristics to cross the Canal was in 2018, with a capacity of 8,500 vehicles, which highlights the magnitude of this event.

This transit reaffirms the strategic importance of the Panama Canal in international maritime trade and demonstrates its efficiency for the transit of state-of-the-art vessels.

In addition, it highlights the advances in sustainability in the industry, consolidating the Hoegh Aurora as a symbol of the future of global shipping.