This autonomous ship is described as the first ever zero emissions, self-driving vessel. Set to launch in 2018, the Yara Birkeland is a fully electric and emissions-free cargo ship that drives itself while also reducing "diesel-powered truck haulage by 40,000 journeys a year."
The autonomous ship comes from Norwegian firms Yara and Kongsberg. The Yara Birkeland will be used to transport fertilizer products from the Yara Porsgrunn plant to international ports Brevik and Larvik beginning in the second half of next year. The battery-powered vessel will not just cut down on harmful emissions like CO2 and NOx, it will also improve road safety and provide a quieter alternative.
The environmentally friendly shipping solution is an example of how autonomous transportation can be applied to the sea, as delivery drones and driverless cars emerge.
Zero Emissions Cargo Ships
This Fully Electric Autonomous Ship Will Hit the Seas in 2018
Trend Themes
1. Zero Emissions - The fully electric and emissions-free Yara Birkeland cargo ship demonstrates the trend towards zero emissions transportation.
2. Autonomous Shipping - The self-driving Yara Birkeland showcases the trend of utilizing autonomous technology in the shipping industry.
3. Environmental Sustainability - The Yara Birkeland's reduced emissions and improved road safety highlight the trend towards environmentally friendly shipping solutions.
Industry Implications
1. Cargo Shipping - The Yara Birkeland presents an opportunity for disruption in the cargo shipping industry through the use of fully electric and autonomous technology.
2. Fertilizer Manufacturing - The Yara Birkeland's transportation of fertilizer products opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in the manufacturing and distribution processes of the fertilizer industry.
3. Autonomous Technology - The Yara Birkeland's autonomous capabilities offer potential for disruptive innovation in the development and implementation of autonomous technology across various industries.