Yara and Kongsberg to build electric container feeder

Due to begin operation in late 2018, the vessel will reduce diesel-powered truck haulage between the sites, eliminating 40,000 journeys a year. The companies claim the vessel, to be named Yara Birkeland, will be ready for remote operation in 2019 and will be fully autonomous from 2020.

Svein Tore Holsether, president and CEO, Yara, said: “Investing in this zero-emission vessel to transport our crop nutrition solutions fits our strategy well. We are proud to work with Kongsberg to realise the world’s first autonomous, all-electric vessel to enter commercial operation.”

Geir Håøy, president and CEO, Kongsberg, said: “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 will set the benchmark for the application of innovative maritime technology for more efficient and environmentally friendly shipping.”