In 2017, we posted “ Yara Birkeland, Autonomous Container Ship — Is This Really a Good Idea?” The question remains unanswered, but we may have a better idea when the 103 TEU, all-electric, crewless feeder ship is delivered and completes its maiden voyage toward the end of 2021. The ship will be powered by 7 MWh battery bank and should be capable of top speed of 13 knots.
CNN reports that if all goes to plan, the ship will make its first journey between two Norwegian towns before the end of the year, with no crew onboard. Instead, its movements will be monitored from three onshore data control centers.
When operational, Yara Birkeland will sail on two routes, between Herøya and Brevik (~7 nautical miles (13 km)) and between Herøya and Larvik (~30 nautical miles (56 km)).
These days, most of the turbines producing clean energy are powered by the wind. Last month, a turbine powered by the tides, described as “the world’s most powerful” began grid-connected power generation at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, an archipelago located north of mainland Scotland.
On a recent voyage from Galveston, TX, 
The Drive
Congratulations to the 
In addition to being a museum ship as America’s only steam-powered lighthouse tender, the 
Tomorrow, the 
Last September, the 
It is amazing how many commonplace items are related to ships and the sea. Or perhaps not, given that over 70% of the globe is covered by water and 90% of all trade is moved by sea. Here is one example of an unexpected connection to ships.
The 
A repost from several years ago. Sailors have long considered Friday to be an unlucky day and Friday the 13th, particularly so. On this Friday the 13th, it seems appropriate to remember the unlikely tale of 
Five years ago we posted about the beginning of the construction of “