MacGregor automated mooring solution specified for the world's first autonomous and zero-emission container ship, Yara Birkeland

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, and Kongsberg Maritime have entered into an agreement where MacGregor will deliver an automated mooring system for the world's first autonomous container ship, Yara Birkeland. This will enable mooring operations to be undertaken without human intervention and supports effective operation of the fully electric, zero emission vessel, the company said in its release.
 
The order was booked in Cargotec's 2018 fourth quarter order intake, with the automated mooring system scheduled to be delivered during the second half of 2019.
 
Kalmar, also part of Cargotec, previously announced that it will provide the autonomous loading and unloading solution for Yara Birkeland, as well as transportation between the fertiliser production facilities and the quay.
 
Yara Birkeland will reduce emissions and improve road safety by removing up to 40,000 truck journeys annually in a densely populated area of Norway. The container ship will transport fertiliser from Yara's Porsgrunn plant via inland waterways to the deep-sea ports of Larvik and Brevik, a journey of 31 nautical miles.
 
MacGregor is a leader in intelligent maritime cargo and load handling with a strong portfolio of MacGregor, Hatlapa, Porsgrunn, Pusnes, Rapp and Triplex products, services and solutions, all designed to perform with the sea.
 
Shipbuilders, shipowners and operators are able to optimise the lifetime profitability, safety, reliability and environmental sustainability of their operations by working in close cooperation with MacGregor.
 
MacGregor is part of Cargotec. Cargotec's sales in 2018 totalled approximately EUR 3.3 billion and it employs around 12,000 people worldwide.