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URLhttps://newatlas.com/marine/worlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut/
Last Crawled2026-04-22 17:42:35 (2 days ago)
First Indexed2021-11-22 02:07:16 (4 years ago)
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Meta TitleWorld's first electric autonomous cargo ship takes to the water
Meta DescriptionA future-focused ship designed as the world's first all-electric, autonomous cargo vessel has debuted in Norway, where it is intended to replace 40,000 diesel-powered truck journeys every year and significantly reduce NOx and CO2 emissions.
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A future-focused ship designed as the world's first all-electric, autonomous cargo vessel has debuted in Norway, where it is intended to replace 40,000 diesel-powered truck journeys every year. The Yara Birkeland made a short, crewed trip to the capital of Oslo as part of its unveiling, with work to now begin on certifying it as an autonomous container vessel ahead of commencing commercial operations. As a joint venture between chemical production firm Yara and maritime technology company Kongsberg, the Yara Birkeland was announced back in 2017 as the world's first all-electric and autonomous container ship. The plan is to use the ship to ferry chemicals and fertilizer from Yara's production plant in Prosgrunn to nearby towns, making significant reductions in NOx and CO2 emissions by negating the need for diesel-powered truck transport. The 80-meter-long (262-ft) vessel is powered by a 6.8-mWh battery pack and can carry up to 3,200 tons at a maximum speed of 15 knots (28 km/h, 17 mph). Alongside production of the ship itself, Yara is tapping into its own stocks of ammonia used in its fertilizer production to develop a zero-carbon fuel source for eventual use aboard the Yara Birkeland. There is considerable and growing interest in ammonia as an alternative to diesel for long-haul shipping, though there are many kinks to iron out in terms of its production and how it can best be used. Yara has plans to eventually power the Yara Birkeland with ammonia Yara Birkeland “Renewable energy was our starting point in 1905, now, ammonia can bring us back to our roots," says Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia, as the initiative is called. "Our large shipping network and existing infrastructure means that ammonia has the potential to become the leading fuel for long-distance shipping globally,” The Yara Birkeland's maiden voyage saw it travel from the town of Horten to Oslo, around 70 km (43 miles) away on November 18. The visit to the capital was arranged for partners on the project to experience the ship up close, and for government officials including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to receive a tour from Yara CEO Svein Tore Holsether. The Yara Birkeland's visit to Oslo allowed guests to climb aboard for a close-up look Yara Birkeland “We are proud to be able to showcase the world's first fully electric and self-propelled container ship," says Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of Yara. "It will cut 1,000 tonnes of CO2 and replace 40,000 trips by diesel-powered trucks a year." With its first voyage behind it, the Yara Birkeland will commence commercial operations in 2022, while a two-year testing period will take place alongside designed to certify it as an autonomous vehicle. Technology company Kongsberg will be responsible for integrating the sensors and other systems for autonomous navigation, with the pathway to full autonomy to also include a phase of remote operation. “We have been looking forward to this day for a long time. Yara Birkeland will transport mineral fertilizer between Porsgrunn and Brevik and will contribute to significant emission cuts during transport," says Holsether. "This is an excellent example of green transition in practice, and we hope this ship will be the start of a new type of emission-free container ships. There are a lot of places in the world with congested roads that will benefit from a high-tech solution like this." You can see snippets from the Yara Birkeland's maiden voyage in the video below. Yara Birkeland's Voyage from Horten to Oslo Source: Yara
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3 images](https://newatlas.com/marine/worlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut/#gallery:1) A future-focused ship designed as the world's first all-electric, autonomous cargo vessel has debuted in Norway, where it is intended to replace 40,000 diesel-powered truck journeys every year. The Yara Birkeland made a short, crewed trip to the capital of Oslo as part of its unveiling, with work to now begin on certifying it as an autonomous container vessel ahead of commencing commercial operations. As a joint venture between chemical production firm Yara and maritime technology company Kongsberg, the [Yara Birkeland was announced](https://newatlas.com/autonomous-electric-shipping-container-vessel/49477/?itm_source=newatlas&itm_medium=article-body) back in 2017 as the world's first all-electric and autonomous container ship. The plan is to use the ship to ferry chemicals and fertilizer from Yara's production plant in Prosgrunn to nearby towns, making significant reductions in NOx and CO2 emissions by negating the need for diesel-powered truck transport. The 80-meter-long (262-ft) vessel is powered by a 6.8-mWh battery pack and can carry up to 3,200 tons at a maximum speed of 15 knots (28 km/h, 17 mph). Alongside production of the ship itself, Yara is tapping into its own stocks of ammonia used in its fertilizer production to develop a zero-carbon fuel source for eventual use aboard the Yara Birkeland. There is considerable and growing interest in ammonia as an alternative to diesel for long-haul shipping, though there are many [kinks to iron out](https://newatlas.com/energy/green-ammonia-primer-clean-fuel/?itm_source=newatlas&itm_medium=article-body) in terms of its production and how it can best be used. [![Yara has plans to eventually power the Yara Birkeland with ammonia](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/55c36c1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/680x510+0+0/resize/680x510!/format/webp/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2Fb5%2Fded5a3ed472896fecbd0d74c6349%2Ffeke65pwyau2oca.jpg)](https://newatlas.com/marine/worlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut/#gallery:3) Yara has plans to eventually power the Yara Birkeland with ammonia Yara Birkeland “Renewable energy was our starting point in 1905, now, ammonia can bring us back to our roots," says Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia, as the initiative is called. "Our large shipping network and existing infrastructure means that ammonia has the potential to become the leading fuel for long-distance shipping globally,” The Yara Birkeland's maiden voyage saw it travel from the town of Horten to Oslo, around 70 km (43 miles) away on November 18. The visit to the capital was arranged for partners on the project to experience the ship up close, and for government officials including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to receive a tour from Yara CEO Svein Tore Holsether. [![The Yara Birkeland's visit to Oslo allowed guests to climb aboard for a close-up look](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/6e8dede/2147483647/strip/true/crop/680x510+0+0/resize/680x510!/format/webp/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fdc%2Ffe607f9d4e2188212a65a1c9d997%2Ffeke6rnxsaefj8k.jpg)](https://newatlas.com/marine/worlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut/#gallery:2) The Yara Birkeland's visit to Oslo allowed guests to climb aboard for a close-up look Yara Birkeland “We are proud to be able to showcase the world's first fully electric and self-propelled container ship," says Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of Yara. "It will cut 1,000 tonnes of CO2 and replace 40,000 trips by diesel-powered trucks a year." With its first voyage behind it, the Yara Birkeland will commence commercial operations in 2022, while a two-year testing period will take place alongside designed to certify it as an autonomous vehicle. Technology company Kongsberg will be responsible for integrating the sensors and other systems for autonomous navigation, with the pathway to full autonomy to also include a phase of remote operation. “We have been looking forward to this day for a long time. Yara Birkeland will transport mineral fertilizer between Porsgrunn and Brevik and will contribute to significant emission cuts during transport," says Holsether. "This is an excellent example of green transition in practice, and we hope this ship will be the start of a new type of emission-free container ships. There are a lot of places in the world with congested roads that will benefit from a high-tech solution like this." You can see snippets from the Yara Birkeland's maiden voyage in the video below. Yara Birkeland's Voyage from Horten to Oslo Source: [Yara](https://www.yara.com/corporate-releases/yara-to-start-operating-the-worlds-first-fully-emission-free-container-ship/) [View gallery - 3 images](https://newatlas.com/marine/worlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut/#gallery:1) ## Tags [Marine](https://newatlas.com/marine/)[Autonomous Vehicles](https://newatlas.com/tag/autonomous-vehicle/)[Electric Boats](https://newatlas.com/tag/electric-boats/)[shipping containers](https://newatlas.com/tag/shipping-containers/)[Shipping](https://newatlas.com/tag/shipping/)[New Atlas Audio](https://newatlas.com/tag/newatlas-audio/) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=38456013908&display=popup&href=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas.com%2Fmarine%2Fworlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut%2F) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas.com%2Fmarine%2Fworlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut%2F&text=World%27s%20first%20electric%20autonomous%20cargo%20ship%20takes%20to%20the%20water) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas.com%2Fmarine%2Fworlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut%2F&mini=true&title=World%27s%20first%20electric%20autonomous%20cargo%20ship%20takes%20to%20the%20water&summary=A%20future-focused%20ship%20designed%20as%20the%20world%27s%20first%20all-electric%2C%20autonomous%20cargo%20vessel%20has%20debuted%20in%20Norway%2C%20where%20it%20is%20intended%20to%20replace%2040%2C000%20diesel-powered%20truck%20journeys%20every%20year.%20The%20Yara%20Birkeland%20made%20a%20short%2C%20crewed%20trip%20to%20the%20capital%20of%20Oslo%20as%20part%20of%20its%20unveiling%2C%20with%20work%20to%20now%20begin%20on%20certifying%20it%20as%20an%20autonomous%20container%20vessel%20ahead%20of%20commencing%20commercial%20operations.&source=New%20Atlas) - [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=canonicalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas.com%2Fmarine%2Fworlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut%2F) - [Flipboard](https://share.flipboard.com/bookmarklet/popout?v=2&title=World%27s%20first%20electric%20autonomous%20cargo%20ship%20takes%20to%20the%20water&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas.com%2Fmarine%2Fworlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut%2F) - [Email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20article%20from%20New%20Atlas&body=Someone%20has%20shared%20the%20following%20article%20with%20you%3A%0A%0A%0AWorld%27s%20first%20electric%20autonomous%20cargo%20ship%20takes%20to%20the%20water%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas.com%2Fmarine%2Fworlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut%2F%0A%0AA%20future-focused%20ship%20designed%20as%20the%20world%27s%20first%20all-electric%2C%20autonomous%20cargo%20vessel%20has%20debuted%20in%20Norway%2C%20where%20it%20is%20intended%20to%20replace%2040%2C000%20diesel-powered%20truck%20journeys%20every%20year.%20The%20Yara%20Birkeland%20made%20a%20short%2C%20crewed%20trip%20to%20the%20capital%20of%20Oslo%20as%20part%20of%20its%20unveiling%2C%20with%20work%20to%20now%20begin%20on%20certifying%20it%20as%20an%20autonomous%20container%20vessel%20ahead%20of%20commencing%20commercial%20operations.) [4 comments](https://newatlas.com/marine/worlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut/#comments) [![Nick Lavars](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/e5b1897/2147483647/strip/true/crop/243x243+60+0/resize/100x100!/format/webp/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc8%2F0e%2F5e897fcc4a228792020989c8384b%2Fstaff-bio-icon-nick-lavars.jpg)](https://newatlas.com/author/nick-lavars/) [Nick Lavars](https://newatlas.com/author/nick-lavars/) Nick has been writing and editing at New Atlas for over six years, where he has covered everything from distant space probes to self-driving cars to oddball animal science. He previously spent time at The Conversation, Mashable and The Santiago Times, earning a Masters degree in communications from Melbourne’s RMIT University along the way. **Sign up for our** [**FREE daily New Atlas newsletter**](https://newatlas.com/subscribe/)**\!** ## Most Viewed [![Unlike other amphibious cars and campers, the StabiX 250UC is a proper boat ready to open things up on the water](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/90e182f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1133x755+53+0/resize/720x480!/format/webp/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F36%2F20%2F1b35b8224fd1b2db32e2304035ef%2Fscreenshot-2026-03-17-at-9-07-00-pm.png)](https://newatlas.com/marine/stabix-250-amphibious-adventure-camper/) [Marine](https://newatlas.com/marine/) [Radical amphibious camper journeys to wilds other RVs will never find](https://newatlas.com/marine/stabix-250-amphibious-adventure-camper/) The StabiX 250 is a different kind of RV, an amphibian built for land-sea adventures and turning unpeopled islands into private base camps. Part boat, part all-terrain rover and part camper, the innovative 250 supports adventures like no other. [![Sharrow offers its propellers in several colors](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/dc838ad/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1914x1276+0+23/resize/720x480!/format/webp/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2Fae%2F4cb67b024b2aa679cb1ddb785333%2F574084699-1133648638972801-5122402827646948359-n.jpg)](https://newatlas.com/marine/sharrow-propeller-production-scaling-breakthrough/) [Marine](https://newatlas.com/marine/) [Sharrow's madly torqued propellers make production quantum leap](https://newatlas.com/marine/sharrow-propeller-production-scaling-breakthrough/) Sharrow made an efficiency breakthrough the instant it transformed propeller blades into twisted loops, but efficient manufacturing has proven more difficult. It's finally scaling production and slashing build times with 3D sand-casting technology. [![The reactor will be installed in a Vard 3 construction ship as a demo](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/89ad069/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1489x993+0+0/resize/720x480!/format/webp/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F97%2Fa0b6c4a8446b8446c6b090e1869f%2Fscreenshot-2026-01-27-190652b.png)](https://newatlas.com/marine/heavy-duty-ships-nuclear-cut-emissions/) [Marine](https://newatlas.com/marine/) [Small modular nuclear reactors could cut commercial shipping emissions](https://newatlas.com/marine/heavy-duty-ships-nuclear-cut-emissions/) Nuclear power isn't just for naval ships anymore as demonstrated by the Nuclear Propulsion in merchant Shipping (NuProShip II) project led by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology which is looking at fitting nuclear reactors to heavy-duty commercial vessels. [![Incat’s Hull 096 maiden voyage: its harbor trials on the River Derwent in Hobart, Tasmania](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/a25b298/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3375x2250+313+0/resize/720x480!/format/webp/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb7%2Fae%2Fa0514c674c4baf4e8fc3e07fac93%2Fhull06-heroimg.jpeg)](https://newatlas.com/marine/incat-hull-096-battery-electric-ship-harbor-trials/) [Marine](https://newatlas.com/marine/) [World’s largest battery-electric ship enters harbor trials](https://newatlas.com/marine/incat-hull-096-battery-electric-ship-harbor-trials/) The world’s largest battery-electric ship has quietly begun harbor trials on the River Derwent in Hobart. Built by Incat Tasmania, the Hull 096 represents a major step forward for large-scale electric shipping. [![Candela is celebrating its P-12 foiling ferry completing "a 160-nautical-mile journey - the longest ever by an electric passenger ship"](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/6a240e0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8256x5504+0+0/resize/720x480!/format/webp/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Fb0%2F44d7104a4451b187da0751df66d9%2Foslo-p-12-4.jpg)](https://newatlas.com/marine/p12-hydrofoiling-electric-ferry-160-nautical-miles/) [Marine](https://newatlas.com/marine/) [Hydrofoiling electric ferry completes record 160-nautical-mile voyage](https://newatlas.com/marine/p12-hydrofoiling-electric-ferry-160-nautical-miles/) The "world’s first serial-production electric hydrofoil ferry" – the Candela P-12 – has completed a record-breaking voyage from Gothenburg in Sweden to Oslo in Norway, clocking up 160 nautical miles over the epic three-day journey. [![It looks far narrower from the side, but the wings give the Super Sub a width of 10.8 feet (3.3 m)](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/c4cc673/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3420x2280+0+143/resize/720x480!/format/webp/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbf%2F6f%2Ffe2c7b1049fda6797a8c6f472c14%2Fsuper-sub-u-boat-worx-tom-van-oossanen-1-110.jpg)](https://newatlas.com/marine/u-boat-worx-high-speed-super-sub/) [Marine](https://newatlas.com/marine/) [Triple-speed personal submarine steers nimbly through subaquatic world](https://newatlas.com/marine/u-boat-worx-high-speed-super-sub/) The Super Sub that creator U-Boat Worx calls the fastest, most advanced private sub ever built is about to be delivered to the first customer, giving a fortunate fractional-percenter what's sure to be an addictive, highly immersive new hobby. 4 comments [Sign in](https://newatlas.com/login/?sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas.com%2Fmarine%2Fworlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut%2F) to post a comment. Please keep comments to less than 150 words. No abusive material or spam will be published. michael\_dowling November 22, 2021 07:52 AM You are treated to a few seconds of ambient sounds at the end of the video,but loud,overpowering music during the bulk of it. I wonder what it sounds like for someone standing on the ship? TRVphoto November 26, 2021 07:01 AM Are unmanned vessels required to render assistance to mariners in distress at sea? Seasherm November 28, 2021 10:49 PM GMDSS, Global Marine Distress System is automatic in reporting and receiving distress signals. I would assume this vessel would at least participate in that network. Some details about the machinery would have been nice. Battery types? Inverters? Motors? ReservoirPup November 29, 2021 11:06 AM It's a huge step in right direction. 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Readable Markdown
A future-focused ship designed as the world's first all-electric, autonomous cargo vessel has debuted in Norway, where it is intended to replace 40,000 diesel-powered truck journeys every year. The Yara Birkeland made a short, crewed trip to the capital of Oslo as part of its unveiling, with work to now begin on certifying it as an autonomous container vessel ahead of commencing commercial operations. As a joint venture between chemical production firm Yara and maritime technology company Kongsberg, the [Yara Birkeland was announced](https://newatlas.com/autonomous-electric-shipping-container-vessel/49477/?itm_source=newatlas&itm_medium=article-body) back in 2017 as the world's first all-electric and autonomous container ship. The plan is to use the ship to ferry chemicals and fertilizer from Yara's production plant in Prosgrunn to nearby towns, making significant reductions in NOx and CO2 emissions by negating the need for diesel-powered truck transport. The 80-meter-long (262-ft) vessel is powered by a 6.8-mWh battery pack and can carry up to 3,200 tons at a maximum speed of 15 knots (28 km/h, 17 mph). Alongside production of the ship itself, Yara is tapping into its own stocks of ammonia used in its fertilizer production to develop a zero-carbon fuel source for eventual use aboard the Yara Birkeland. There is considerable and growing interest in ammonia as an alternative to diesel for long-haul shipping, though there are many [kinks to iron out](https://newatlas.com/energy/green-ammonia-primer-clean-fuel/?itm_source=newatlas&itm_medium=article-body) in terms of its production and how it can best be used. [![Yara has plans to eventually power the Yara Birkeland with ammonia](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/55c36c1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/680x510+0+0/resize/680x510!/format/webp/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2Fb5%2Fded5a3ed472896fecbd0d74c6349%2Ffeke65pwyau2oca.jpg)](https://newatlas.com/marine/worlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut/#gallery:3) Yara has plans to eventually power the Yara Birkeland with ammonia Yara Birkeland “Renewable energy was our starting point in 1905, now, ammonia can bring us back to our roots," says Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia, as the initiative is called. "Our large shipping network and existing infrastructure means that ammonia has the potential to become the leading fuel for long-distance shipping globally,” The Yara Birkeland's maiden voyage saw it travel from the town of Horten to Oslo, around 70 km (43 miles) away on November 18. The visit to the capital was arranged for partners on the project to experience the ship up close, and for government officials including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to receive a tour from Yara CEO Svein Tore Holsether. [![The Yara Birkeland's visit to Oslo allowed guests to climb aboard for a close-up look](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/6e8dede/2147483647/strip/true/crop/680x510+0+0/resize/680x510!/format/webp/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F48%2Fdc%2Ffe607f9d4e2188212a65a1c9d997%2Ffeke6rnxsaefj8k.jpg)](https://newatlas.com/marine/worlds-first-electric-autonomous-cargo-ship-yara-birkeland-debut/#gallery:2) The Yara Birkeland's visit to Oslo allowed guests to climb aboard for a close-up look Yara Birkeland “We are proud to be able to showcase the world's first fully electric and self-propelled container ship," says Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of Yara. "It will cut 1,000 tonnes of CO2 and replace 40,000 trips by diesel-powered trucks a year." With its first voyage behind it, the Yara Birkeland will commence commercial operations in 2022, while a two-year testing period will take place alongside designed to certify it as an autonomous vehicle. Technology company Kongsberg will be responsible for integrating the sensors and other systems for autonomous navigation, with the pathway to full autonomy to also include a phase of remote operation. “We have been looking forward to this day for a long time. Yara Birkeland will transport mineral fertilizer between Porsgrunn and Brevik and will contribute to significant emission cuts during transport," says Holsether. "This is an excellent example of green transition in practice, and we hope this ship will be the start of a new type of emission-free container ships. There are a lot of places in the world with congested roads that will benefit from a high-tech solution like this." You can see snippets from the Yara Birkeland's maiden voyage in the video below. Yara Birkeland's Voyage from Horten to Oslo Source: [Yara](https://www.yara.com/corporate-releases/yara-to-start-operating-the-worlds-first-fully-emission-free-container-ship/)
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