The Yara Birkeland, the world’s first autonomous and fully electric container ship, will soon commence commercial operations, after a two-year test period, before entering full autonomous operation.
The emission-free and safe energy supply is provided by a 6.7 MWh battery system with integrated liquid cooling. This system ensures optimum temperature control of the cells and their reliable operation over a service life of at least 10 years.
The Yara Birkeland completed its maiden voyage to Oslo in mid-November and then sailed on to Porsgrunn, the southern Norwegian production site of Yara International.
This electrically powered “green vessel” will operate at a service speed of approximately 6 knots, with a maximum speed of 13 knots.
Embarking on a technical challenging project as Yara Birkeland together with our technology partner Kongsberg Maritime is as such a small endeavour in the large challenge we as one out of many industrial players are embarking
said Jon Sletten, project owner, Yara Birkeland.
Furthermore, Anil Srivastava, chief executive officer of Leclanché, added that the annual operating cost savings in both fuel and crew, estimated at up to 90%, “makes autonomous and battery powered ships viable in international trade.”
Combined with new emerging technologies and the integration of alternative green fuels, including clean hydrogen, we will continue opening new possibilities for our customers, the industry and the planet
