TIM eMagazine Vol.3 Issue 6
YARA selects
Norwegian
shipbuilder
VARD for
zero-emission
vessel Yara
Birkeland
T
he world’s first autonomous and electric container vessel
is one step closer to launch, as YARA signs a deal with
VARD worth appr NOK 250 million to build the vessel.
VARD will deliver Yara Birkeland for launch in early
2020, and the vessel will gradually move from manned
operation to fully autonomous operation by 2022.
In May 2017, YARA and technology company
KONGSBERG announced a partnership to build the
world's first autonomous, electric container vessel. Replacing 40,000 truck
journeys a year, Yara Birkeland will reduce NOx and CO2 emissions and
improve road safety in a densely populated urban area. Now the shipyard
has been selected and construction will begin.
“A vessel like Yara Birkeland has never been built before, and we rely on
teaming up with partners with an entrepreneurial mindset and cutting
edge expertise. VARD combines experience in customized ship building
with leading innovation, and will deliver a game-changing vessel which
will help us lower our emissions, and contribute to feeding the world
while protecting the planet,” says Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO
of YARA.
VARD is a leading global shipbuilder of specialized vessels. Yara
Birkeland is scheduled to be delivered from Vard Brevik in Norway in Q1
2020. The hull will be delivered from Vard Braila in Romania.
Mr. Roy Reite, CEO and Executive Director of VARD, commented: “We
are honored to be chosen as Yara’s partner in this innovative and exciting
project. With a longstanding experience in building state-of-the-art
and tailor-made specialized vessels, we are excited to be given the
opportunity to build the world’s first autonomous and electric-driven
container vessel. It is a pleasure to welcome Yara and Kongsberg to VARD,
and we look forward to working closely with all parties involved.”
The project has received NOK 133.6 million in support from the
Norwegian government enterprise ENOVA. Prime Minister Erna Solberg
was present for the signing at the ship yard in Brevik, Norway.
“This is a good example of how Norwegian industry can collaborate to
create new solutions and green jobs. YARA, KONGSBERG and VARD have
built on their knowledge about technology, logistics and ship building
Credits : yara.com
with an ambition to create sustainable innovation together. The result is
exciting pioneer projects like this one. I am proud that the Government
has supported the development of Yara Birkeland through ENOVA and
send my best wishes for the construction,” says Prime Minister Solberg.
Technology company KONGSBERG is a key partner in the project,
responsible for the enabling technologies including the sensors and
integration required for remote and autonomous operations. The
company is leading the way in an industry transformation which at first
will impact short sea and inland waterway operations, and holds potential
for further segments.
“Yara Birkeland represents an important next step for the entire
maritime industry, representing a major technological and sustainable
advancement. The Norwegian maritime cluster has taken a leading
position within technology, design, legislation, testing and all other
aspects of the development”, says Geir Håøy, CEO of KONGSBERG.
The project was initiated in an effort to improve the logistics at Yara’s
Porsgrunn fertilizer plant. Every day, more than 100 diesel truck journeys
are needed to transport products from Yara’s Porsgrunn plant to ports
in Brevik and Larvik where the company ships products to customers
around the world. With this new autonomous battery-driven container
vessel YARA moves transport from road to sea and thereby reduces noise
and dust emissions, improves the safety of local roads, and reduces NOx
and CO2 emissions.
www.yara.com
Credits : yara.com
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