DB Schenker to operate zero-emission autonomous coastal container feeder in Norway
Germany-based logistics provider DB Schenker has revealed plans to operate a zero-emission coastal container feeder vessel between Ikornnes quay and the Port of Ålesund in Norway. The fully electric vessel includes a “unique design”, making the vessel first of its kind in the world, according to the…
Autonomous Boats Seem More Solvable Than Autonomous Cars
It’s become painfully obvious over the past few years just how difficult fully autonomous cars are. This isn’t a dig at any of the companies developing autonomous cars (unless they’re the sort of company who keeps on making ludicrous promises about full autonomy, of course)—…
The ship of the future travels alone (and does not pollute)
Northern Europe and Japan are preparing for the revolution of unmanned and electric container vessels: the first fleets ready by 2025. In the coming months, 3 unmanned container vessels, one Japanese, one Finnish and one Norwegian , will anchor. After that, the seas will never be the same…
COLUMN | FALSE ECONOMY: REMOTE-CONTROLLED AUTONOMOUS SHIPS? [OFFSHORE ACCOUNTS]
The news that the bulk carrier Wakashio grounded off Mauritius and broke in two in August last year because the crew were navigating dangerously close to the shore in order to – wait for it – be able to pick up a mobile phone signal, is probably…
Second Test of Remotely Operated Tugboat Conducted in Japan
Japan took another step forward with its efforts to develop and demonstrate remote navigation technology. NYK and its group companies MTI Co., Keihin Dock Co., and Japan Marine Science (JMS) recently conducted a second test of a remotely controlled tugboat operating in Tokyo Bay. The…
YARA selects Norwegian shipbuilder VARD for zero-emission vessel Yara Birkeland
The 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…
World’s First Fully Autonomous Vessel To Sail Across Atlantic Ocean – Mayflower Autonomous Ship Project
The Mayflower Autonomous Ship project (MAS) is an innovative new venture to design, build and sail the world’s first fully autonomous vessel across the Atlantic Ocean.The project’s name commemorates the anniversary of the Pilgrim Father’s voyage from Plymouth, UK to Plymouth in the New World…
Yara Birkeland: An electric and autonomous cargo ship in Norway in 2018
With 120 kilometers of autonomy and autonomous features, the Yara Birkeland will be the first electric cargo ship deployed in Norway. Expected in the second half of 2018, the “Yara Birkeland” will be the first self-propelled cargo ship in the world. Capable of transporting a…