Yara Birkeland design revealed and test model demonstrated for the first time
Sep 29, 2017
...MOREYara Birkeland revolutionizes seaborne transport, replaces 40,000 diesel truck journey a year
- Final design of Yara Birkeland, first zero emission autonomous container vessel, revealed
- Successful seawater testing of Yara Birkeland model
- Norwegian government (ENOVA) backs building of Yara Birkeland, covers about 1/3 of cost
- Private-public collaboration (Yara, Kongsberg, Marin Teknikk, SINTEF, ENOVA)
Trondheim (Norway) 29 September 2017: A six-meter long model of the final design of the autonomous and zero emission container vessel "Yara Birkeland" was launched in SINTEF Ocean's 80 meter long sea laboratory in Trondheim, Norway this week.
In May, Yara announced the partnership with technology company Kongsberg to build the world's first electric container ship. Its design, developed by Marin Teknikk, has now been revealed.
"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 emissions," says President and CEO of Yara, Svein Tore Holsether. "It was a special moment in Trondheim when, together with our partners -- Kongsberg, Marin Teknikk , SINTEF and ENOVA -- we witness the design and demonstration of a miniature Yara Birkeland for the first time."
Yara Birkeland is a global milestone for seaborne transportation
The cutting edge, six meter long and 2.4 tonnes heavy model with technology destined for the real ship, including a fully working thruster system designed by Kongsberg, will now undergo comprehensive testing at SINTEF's test tanks before construction of the full-scale vessel starts. The ship yard will be selected by the end of 2017.
"Initial tests of the model were successful, proving both concept and the technology," says Geir Håøy, President and CEO of Kongsberg. "The testing at SINTEF Ocean marks an important milestone in the development. This vessel is important for the entire maritime industry, and Yara deserves praise for their initiative and commitment. Yara Birkeland is the start of a major contribution to fulfilling national and international environmental impact goals, and will be a global milestone for seaborne transportation."
Norwegian governments supports building of Yara Birkeland
The Norwegian government enterprise ENOVA has granted NOK 133.6 million to Yara towards the construction of the world's first electric and autonomous container ship. This will cover about one third of the estimated cost....
Previously:
Shipping: He May Not Have Received His Nobel Prizes But The World's First Fully Electric Autonomous Container Ship Will Be Called the Birkeland
"Norway Takes Lead in Race to Build Autonomous Cargo Ships"
Here's the model being tested:
