Logistics innovation through automation of all operational tasks
Creating a zero-carbon zone as part of sustainable innovation

Yara has announced that it is developing a digital-based, eco-friendly autonomous logistics solution for the Porsgrunn docks in Norway, together with logistics solutions provider Kalmar.

Yara plans to build a fully automated transportation system by leveraging its world-first unmanned electric vessel, Yara Birkeland, unveiled last year, in conjunction with Forsgurun's autonomous logistics solution. This will enable fully automated logistics operations, including loading, unloading, and departure, thereby increasing cost efficiency and creating a zero-emission zone.

Tove Andersen, Yara’s Executive Vice President of Production, said: “This project has developed an autonomous logistics solution, making Yara Birkeland not just the world’s first unmanned electric vessel, but a fully realized, unmanned, automated logistics system in its own right.

By automating all operational tasks, including loading, unloading, and departure, zero carbon emissions were achieved. “Kalmar is a partner with proven technical expertise and know-how in equipment and software, and we have integrated their expertise into our supply chain,” he said.

Yara, which supplies products and services needed to feed 300 million people worldwide, developed the world's first autonomous electric ship last year in collaboration with ship technology company Kongsberg.

Yara Birkeland will sail approximately 60km of inland waterways to transport fertilizer produced at Yara's Porsgrun plant to the deep-sea ports of Larvik and Brevik. This transport, equivalent to the annual transport of approximately 40,000 trucks, will not only reduce carbon emissions from road transport but also contribute to traffic safety.

Kalmar will support the fertilizer production facility and port-to-port transport, including autonomous loading and unloading solutions onboard Yara Birkeland, which will be gradually built up in line with the automation phase.

Yara Korea CEO Woo Chang-ha said, “We expect that this historically unique project will lead us to a new mission of sustainable growth and carbon emissions reduction.

“As corporate responsibility for the environment is no longer an option but a necessity, we hope this can serve as a model case for companies seeking to discover new growth engines.”