The christening of Yara Birkeland, the world’s first electric, autonomous container vessel, was celebrated on April 29 by Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway, says an article published on Safety4Sea.
Two godmothers
Not one, but two godmothers christened the emission-free vessel. Pernille Gundersrud (12) and Malene Moen Straume (12) took on the honourable task of representing the future.
Close to the Yara Porsgrunn factory, the christening took place.
Eliminating carbon emissions
The ship will transport fertiliser from Yara’s Porsgrunn facility to Brevik port, avoiding 40,000 diesel vehicle tons of carbon emissions each year.
Courage to create new
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway addressed everyone:
“It takes courage to create something new. It requires investment, patience, and an ability to not give up after the first try. Innovation requires trial and error – and trial and error again – until you succeed.”
Milestone for Yara
Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara International, said the christening is a defining moment for the company, which aspires to build the world’s first carbon-free container vessel.
Joint venture
A joint venture between the Kongsberg Group and Massterly, which is owned by the Wilhelmsen Group, will operate Yara Birkeland.
Enova, which is owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, has made a financial contribution to the development of Yara Birkeland (NOK 133.5 million).
Two-year trial
In 2022, Yara Birkeland will be operational.
It will first go through a two-year trial period to become autonomous and approved as an all-electric cargo ship.
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Source: Safety4Sea
