Yara Birkeland World First Auto Container Ship to Launch in 2018

Yara Birkeland World First Auto Container Ship Update: Norway-based Yara has revealed its plans to develop the world’s first all-electric and autonomous container ship that is predicted to remove 747 tons (678 tonnes) of carbon dioxide from the air by reducing diesel-powered truck haulage by 40,000 journeys a year.

Named ‘Yara Birkeland’, the high tech Yara Birkeland World First Auto Container Ship is set to sail in 2018 - it will initially be operated as a manned vessel, but the team has noted 2020 as when it will be fully autonomous. It is set to be the first ship to sail the seas without a single human on board.

Read: PMSA Biggest Maritime Patrol Vessel

The roads are becoming overcrowded with the number of tech giants and carmakers racing to release a fleet of self-driving taxis.

But, while they fight over the roads, Yara Birkeland World First Auto Container Ship is set to take over the seas.

The firm has teamed up with maritime technology company Kongsberg to build what is deemed an ‘innovation to protect our planet’.

Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of YARA said:

"Every day, more than 100 diesel truck journeys are needed to transport products from YARA's Porsgrunn plant to ports in Brevik and Larvik where we ship products to customers around the world."

Svein Tore Holsether added:

"With this new autonomous battery-driven container vessel we move transport from road to sea and thereby reduce noise and dust emissions, improve the safety of local roads, and reduce NOx and CO2 emissions."

Kongsberg is tasked with the development and delivery of all key enabling technologies on Yara Birkeland World First Auto Container Ship including the sensors and integration required for remote and autonomous operations, in addition to the electric drive, battery and propulsion control systems.

Geir Håøy, President and CEO of Kongsberg, said:

"By moving container transport from land to sea, YARA Birkeland is the start of a major contribution to fulfilling national and international environmental impact goals."

The new concept of Yara Birkeland World First Auto Container Ship is also a giant step forward towards increased seaborne transportation in general.

And the firms noted that Kongsberg’s integrated control and monitory system are already capable of providing technology for remote and unmanned operations.
Håøy added:

"Developing systems for autonomous operations is a major opening and natural step for KONGSBERG, considering our decades of expertise in the development and integration of advanced sensors, control and communication systems for all areas of ship operations."

Yara Birkeland World First Auto Container Ship will set the benchmark for the application of innovative maritime technology for more efficient and environment friendly shipping.

Via: Mehran Post