Yara Birkeland Yara Birkeland

MV Yara Birkeland

Yara and technology company KONGSBERG have teamed up to build the world's first autonomous and zero-emission container vessel: Yara Birkeland

With this vessel, Yara will remove 40,000 diesel-powered truck journeys every year, and reduce NOx (Nitrogen oxide) and CO2 emissions, improve road safety, reduce road dust formation and traffic noise. The zero-emission vessel will transport mineral fertilizer from Yara's production plant in Porsgrunn, Norway to the regional export port in Brevik.

On the technical side, KONGSBERG is responsible for the development and delivery of all essential technologies at Yara Birkeland. This applies to the sensors and integration required for remote and autonomous operations, as well as electrical propulsion, battery and control systems.

Yara Birkeland was put into commercial operation in Porsgrunn in the spring of 2022. During the first to years of operation, the vessel will go through a gradual transition towards full autonomous sailing

Photo credits: Knut Brevik Andersen, Wilhelmsen Ship Service

Yara Birkeland videos

Watch Yara Birkekland's maiden journey to Oslo and its momentous christening celebration

Yara Birkeland's Voyage from Horten to Oslo

Yara Birkeland's Voyage from Horten to Oslo
On November 18, 2021, Yara Birkeland took its first and only trip to Oslo before being put into operation. After departing Horten in the morning, Yara Birkeland arrived in Oslo in the early evening of November 18th for partners to experience the ship first-hand and learn more about the process behind this great achievement.

Yara Birkeland is officially christened

Yara Birkeland is officially christened
Yara Birkeland was christened on April 29, 2022 in Brevik, Norway and to celebrate the momentous occasion, 500 local students and Crown Prince Haakon participated in the maritime tradition of christening the ship to bless it with good fortune. Watch highlights from the momentous day!

Vessel estimated key figures and facts

120 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) open top container ship - fully battery powered solution. Prepared for autonomous and unmanned operation
Yara Birkeland prototype
Yara Birkeland prototype

Main particulars

  • LOA 80 m
  • Beam 15 m

Depth 12 m

  • Draught (full) 6 m
  • Eco speed 6-7 knots
  • Max speed 15 knots

Capacity

  • Cargo capacity 120 TEU
  • Deadweight 3,200 tons

Propulsion

  • Azipull pods 2 x 900 kW
  • Tunnel thrusters 2 x 700 kW

Batteries

  • Capacity 6.8 MWh

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Yara Birkeland in transit

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