Be The Change

Category: Watercraft

Marine shipping contributes 1 billion metric tons of carbon emissions each year.

World’s first autonomous electric container ship launches in Oslo, Norway to replace 40K diesel truck trips per year

Andy Corbley / Good News Network »

Built by Yara to transport their mineral fertilizer stocks between the towns of Porsgrunn and Brevik, a trip which normally requires 40,000 trips by diesel truck per year, the Yara Birkeland will save around 1,000 tons of CO2 annually.

On November 19th, Yara Birkeland departed for a crewed maiden voyage—which included Norway’s prime minister—on a short 43-mile trip across the fjord from Horton to Oslo.

“We have been looking forward to this day for a long time,” stated Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of Yara. “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.”

Onboard the 262-foot (80 meter) vessel is a 6.8 megawatt-hours battery pack that can generate 17 mph (28 kph). It can carry 3,200 tons of fertilizer, and should begin commercial operations next year while it carries out lengthy certification for its autonomous navigation technology.

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General Motors acquired a 25% stake in electric boat startup Pure Watercraft with USD$150 million deal

CNBC »

General Motors, which has billed itself as “all in on electrification” this year, has acquired a 25% stake in Pure Watercraft, a Seattle start-up that makes electric outboard motors for boats, the companies told CNBC.

Pure Watercraft motors use lithium ion batteries and replace 40- to 50-horsepower outboard motors that burn gas or diesel. Traditional fuel-powered boats contribute to environmental problems including noise pollution, smog, and water pollution that is plainly visible floating on the water in their wake. Pure’s systems are much quieter and cleaner.

For Pure Watercraft CEO Andy Rebele, a lifelong fishing and boating enthusiast and former rowing coach, a personal drive to solve those problems lined up with a massive market opportunity.

Elsewhere » WaPo / The Verge / Geek Wire / Slash Gear

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