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The ship is scheduled to make its first journey between two Norwegian towns before the end of the year, with no crew onboard. <strong>Click through to see more forms of transport set to transform the future.</strong> The Yara Birkeland is what its builders call the world's first zero-emission, autonomous cargo ship. The ship is scheduled to make its first journey between two Norwegian towns before the end of the year, with no crew onboard. <strong>Click through to see more forms of transport set to transform the future.</strong> Photos: The Yara Birkeland is what its builders call the world's first zero-emission, autonomous cargo ship. The ship is scheduled to make its first journey between two Norwegian towns before the end of the year, with no crew onboard. Click through to see more forms of transport set to transform the future. Hide Caption 1 of 13 Pictured here as a rendering, <a href="https:// edition.cnn.com/travel/article/ oceanbird-wind-powered-car-carrier-spc-intl/index.html" target=& quot;_blank">Oceanbird</a> is a wind-powered transatlantic car carrier that cuts carbon emissions by 90%, compared to a standard car carrier. Pictured here as a rendering, <a href="https:// edition.cnn.com/travel/article/ oceanbird-wind-powered-car-carrier-spc-intl/index.html" target=& quot;_blank">Oceanbird</a> is a wind-powered transatlantic car carrier that cuts carbon emissions by 90%, compared to a standard car carrier. Photos: Pictured here as a rendering, Oceanbird is a wind-powered transatlantic car carrier that cuts carbon emissions by 90%, compared to a standard car carrier. Hide Caption 2 of 13 It's not just maritime ships that are going green. Cities around the world are adopting electric ferries. Norwegian startup Zeabuz hopes its self-driving electric ferry (pictured here as a rendering) will help revive urban waterways. It's not just maritime ships that are going green. Cities around the world are adopting electric ferries. Norwegian startup Zeabuz hopes its self-driving electric ferry (pictured here as a rendering) will help revive urban waterways. Photos: It's not just maritime ships that are going green. Cities around the world are adopting electric ferries. Norwegian startup Zeabuz hopes its self-driving electric ferry (pictured here as a rendering) will help revive urban waterways. Hide Caption 3 of 13 In China, a new Maglev high-speed train rolls off the production line in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on July 20. It has a top speed of 600 km per hour -- currently the fastest ground vehicle available globally. In China, a new Maglev high-speed train rolls off the production line in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on July 20. It has a top speed of 600 km per hour -- currently the fastest ground vehicle available globally. Photos: In China, a new Maglev high-speed train rolls off the production line in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on July 20. It has a top speed of 600 km per hour -- currently the fastest ground vehicle available globally. Hide Caption 4 of 13 Reaching speeds of up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) per hour, Hyperloop could be a sustainable replacement to short-haul flights. Dutch company Hardt (shown here as a rendering) started work on its Hyperloop test facility in Europe, anticipated to open in 2022. Reaching speeds of up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) per hour, Hyperloop could be a sustainable replacement to short-haul flights. Dutch company Hardt (shown here as a rendering) started work on its Hyperloop test facility in Europe, anticipated to open in 2022. Photos: Reaching speeds of up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) per hour, Hyperloop could be a sustainable replacement to short-haul flights. Dutch company Hardt (shown here as a rendering) started work on its Hyperloop test facility in Europe, anticipated to open in 2022. Hide Caption 5 of 13 Hyperloop is like a bullet train, without tracks and rails. Floating pods are propelled through a low-pressure steel tube using magnetic levitation. Virgin has been running tests with passengers on its XP-2 vehicle, pictured here. Hyperloop is like a bullet train, without tracks and rails. Floating pods are propelled through a low-pressure steel tube using magnetic levitation. Virgin has been running tests with passengers on its XP-2 vehicle, pictured here. Photos: Hyperloop is like a bullet train, without tracks and rails. Floating pods are propelled through a low-pressure steel tube using magnetic levitation. Virgin has been running tests with passengers on its XP-2 vehicle, pictured here. Hide Caption 6 of 13 Low carbon travel isn't just about switching to sustainable fuel sources -- it's also about redesigning the transport itself. A & quot;Flying-V" plane designed by Delft's University of Technology in the Netherlands and Dutch airline KLM can cut fuel consumption by 20%. Ultimately, researchers hope to switch out the kerosene with a sustainable fuel source, like liquid hydrogen. Low carbon travel isn't just about switching to sustainable fuel sources -- it's also about redesigning the transport itself. A & quot;Flying-V" plane designed by Delft's University of Technology in the Netherlands and Dutch airline KLM can cut fuel consumption by 20%. Ultimately, researchers hope to switch out the kerosene with a sustainable fuel source, like liquid hydrogen. Photos: Low carbon travel isn't just about switching to sustainable fuel sources -- it's also about redesigning the transport itself. A "Flying-V" plane designed by Delft's University of Technology in the Netherlands and Dutch airline KLM can cut fuel consumption by 20%. Ultimately, researchers hope to switch out the kerosene with a sustainable fuel source, like liquid hydrogen. Hide Caption 7 of 13 Hydrogen aviation could provide a sustainable solution for short and medium-haul flights. In September, Airbus unveiled plans for three hydrogen-powered, zero-emission aircraft which can carry 100 to 200 passengers. It hopes to launch the first ZEROe aircraft in 2035. Hydrogen aviation could provide a sustainable solution for short and medium-haul flights. In September, Airbus unveiled plans for three hydrogen-powered, zero-emission aircraft which can carry 100 to 200 passengers. It hopes to launch the first ZEROe aircraft in 2035. Photos: Hydrogen aviation could provide a sustainable solution for short and medium-haul flights. In September, Airbus unveiled plans for three hydrogen-powered, zero-emission aircraft which can carry 100 to 200 passengers. It hopes to launch the first ZEROe aircraft in 2035. Hide Caption 8 of 13 In December 2019, Canadian airline Harbour Air flew the world's first all-electric, zero-emission commercial aircraft. The six-seater seaplane was retrofitted with magniX's magni500 all-electric motor. Harbour Air -- which carries <a href="https:// www.harbourair.com/about/corporate-responsibility/" target=& quot;_blank">half a million passengers</a> annually -- hopes to become the world's first all-electric airline. In December 2019, Canadian airline Harbour Air flew the world's first all-electric, zero-emission commercial aircraft. The six-seater seaplane was retrofitted with magniX's magni500 all-electric motor. Harbour Air -- which carries <a href="https:// www.harbourair.com/about/corporate-responsibility/" target=& quot;_blank">half a million passengers</a> annually -- hopes to become the world's first all-electric airline. Photos: In December 2019, Canadian airline Harbour Air flew the world's first all-electric, zero-emission commercial aircraft. The six-seater seaplane was retrofitted with magniX's magni500 all-electric motor. Harbour Air -- which carries half a million passengers annually -- hopes to become the world's first all-electric airline. Hide Caption 9 of 13 In the case of electric bikes, the future is now: one retailer reported the sale of e-bikes and e-scooters had increased <a href= "https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/08/ electric-bike-and-scooter-sales-boom-pushes-halford-back-to-growth-covid-19 " target="_blank">230%</a> this year. E-bikes give the user a boost to their pedaling, allowing them to go further with less effort. E-bikes are now even available on ride-share apps, like Uber. In the case of electric bikes, the future is now: one retailer reported the sale of e-bikes and e-scooters had increased <a href= "https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/sep/08/ electric-bike-and-scooter-sales-boom-pushes-halford-back-to-growth-covid-19 " target="_blank">230%</a> this year. E-bikes give the user a boost to their pedaling, allowing them to go further with less effort. E-bikes are now even available on ride-share apps, like Uber. Photos: In the case of electric bikes, the future is now: one retailer reported the sale of e-bikes and e-scooters had increased 230% this year. E-bikes give the user a boost to their pedaling, allowing them to go further with less effort. E-bikes are now even available on ride-share apps, like Uber. Hide Caption 10 of 13 While sleeper trains or buses might be the way most of us get some shut-eye on overnight travel, this rendering of a <a href=" https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/autonomous-travel-suites/ index.html" target="_blank">self-driving hotel</ a> suite from Toronto-based designer Steve Lee of Aprilli Design Studio might offer a plush alternative in the future. While sleeper trains or buses might be the way most of us get some shut-eye on overnight travel, this rendering of a <a href=" https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/autonomous-travel-suites/ index.html" target="_blank">self-driving hotel</ a> suite from Toronto-based designer Steve Lee of Aprilli Design Studio might offer a plush alternative in the future. Photos: While sleeper trains or buses might be the way most of us get some shut-eye on overnight travel, this rendering of a self-driving hotel suite from Toronto-based designer Steve Lee of Aprilli Design Studio might offer a plush alternative in the future. Hide Caption 11 of 13 In the UAE, these futuristic-looking pods are undergoing testing on a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/08/tech/ usky-pod-sharjah-uae-spc-intl/index.html" target="_blank& quot;>400-meter line</a> in Sharjah, which borders Dubai. Belarus-based uSky Transport says its pods can help cities solve traffic problems. In the UAE, these futuristic-looking pods are undergoing testing on a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/08/tech/ usky-pod-sharjah-uae-spc-intl/index.html" target="_blank& quot;>400-meter line</a> in Sharjah, which borders Dubai. Belarus-based uSky Transport says its pods can help cities solve traffic problems. Photos: In the UAE, these futuristic-looking pods are undergoing testing on a 400-meter line in Sharjah, which borders Dubai. Belarus-based uSky Transport says its pods can help cities solve traffic problems. Hide Caption 12 of 13 The Coradia iLint by French rail transport company Alstom is the world's first hydrogen-powered passenger train. It began testing in Germany in 2018, and in September 2020 entered regular service in Austria. The Coradia iLint by French rail transport company Alstom is the world's first hydrogen-powered passenger train. It began testing in Germany in 2018, and in September 2020 entered regular service in Austria. Photos: The Coradia iLint by French rail transport company Alstom is the world's first hydrogen-powered passenger train. It began testing in Germany in 2018, and in September 2020 entered regular service in Austria. Hide Caption 13 of 13 RESTRICTED Yara BirkelandRESTRICTED Oceanbird Wallenius Marine RENDERINGZeabuz electric passenger ferry RENDERINGMaglev high-speed train China 0720 RESTRICTEDHardt_Hyperloop_renderVirgin Hyperloop XP-2 VehicleKLM TU Delft Flying-V ZEROe Airbus zero-emission concept aircraft03 aircraft aviation history de Havilland DHC-202 Uber bikes JumpRESTRICTED Aprilli Autonomous Travel Suite RENDERING03 uSky travel pods Sharjah UAERESTRICTED Coradia iLint Alstom (CNN)A Norwegian company has created what it calls the world's first zero-emission, autonomous cargo ship. 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. It's not the first autonomous ship -- an autonomous ferry launched in Finland in 2018 -- but it is the first fully electric container ship, say its makers. Developed by chemical company Yara International, the Yara Birkeland was designed to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, which are toxic pollutants and greenhouse gases, and carbon dioxide, as well as moving freight away from roads to the sea. The Yara Birkeland is scheduled to make its first journey before the end of the year. The Yara Birkeland is scheduled to make its first journey before the end of the year. The Yara Birkeland is scheduled to make its first journey before the end of the year. The shipping industry currently accounts for between 2.5% and 3% of global greenhouse gases emissions, according to the International Maritime Organization. Nearly all of Norway's electricity is generated by hydroelectric power, which is generally considered to have much lower carbon emissions than burning fossil fuels, although it still produces greenhouse gases. This 'nano factory' fits inside a shipping container This 'nano factory' fits inside a shipping container This 'nano factory' fits inside a shipping container Read More First conceptualized in 2017, the ship was created in partnership with technology firm Kongsberg Maritime and shipbuilder Vard. Capable of carrying 103 containers and with a top speed of 13 knots, it will use a 7 MWh battery, with "about a thousand times the capacity of one electrical car," according to Jon Sletten, plant manager for Yara's factory in Porsgrunn, Norway. He says it will be charged at the quayside "before sailing to container harbors along the coast and then back again, replacing 40,000 truck journeys a year." Uncharted territory As well as providing a greener option compared to conventional cargo ships, Sletten says being crewless means it will be more cost effective to operate. Initially, loading and unloading the ship will require humans, but according to Sletten, all loading, discharging, and mooring operations, including berthing and unberthing the vessel, will also eventually operate using autonomous technology. That will involve developing autonomous cranes and straddle carriers -- vehicles that place containers onto ships. A model launch of the zero-emission ship Yara Birkeland. A model launch of the zero-emission ship Yara Birkeland. A model launch of the zero-emission ship Yara Birkeland. The Yara Birkeland was originally slated to set sail last year, but the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with logistical challenges delayed its launch. "We overestimated the scope of it in the beginning and started with too many activities in parallel," says Sletten. After shifting the project from a fast track to a more step-by-step approach, Sletten hopes the ship will transport its first container from the town of Heroya to Brevik this year. The project has also required regulations to be developed together with the Norwegian maritime authorities to allow an autonomous ship to navigate the country's waterways for the first time. From container to commercial Rudy Negenborn, a maritime and transport technology professor at Delft University of Technology, in the Netherlands, says fully autonomous vessels like the Yara Birkeland are the future. But he adds that there are many challenges to overcome before autonomous ships can be used for commercial long sea journeys. He says navigating traffic in large ports (unlike the relatively quiet inland ports the Yara Birkeland will sail to) could be a major obstacle. This swarm of robots gets smarter the more it works This swarm of robots gets smarter the more it works This swarm of robots gets smarter the more it works "At some point, these ships will have to start interacting with each other so they can exchange information and create paths that are not conflicting," he says. Negenborn adds that without a crew onboard to carry out maintenance checks, autonomous ships would need built-in self-diagnosing systems with the ability to detect and fix problems, or call for human assistance. Besides technical issues, he says there are also legal implications when looking at traveling between countries. "The Yara Birkeland operates along the Norwegian coast, but if it went further, then it might encounter other territorial regions with perhaps different rules and regulations that need to be met," says Negenborn. "Who is liable if something goes wrong?" Although Yara International has no plans to add more autonomous ships to its operations, Sletten says we may see more elements of AI technology used on commercial ships in the future. "On overseas vessels is perhaps a step too far, but I think elements are already being used in shipping today when it comes to mooring and to the voyage," he says. "I think we'll see more partly autonomous elements added." * * * * * * * [ ] Search * World + Africa + Americas + Asia + Australia + China + Europe + India + Middle East + United Kingdom * US Politics + The Biden Presidency + Facts First + US Elections * Business + Markets + Tech + Media + Success + Perspectives + Videos * Health + Life, But Better + Fitness + Food + Sleep + Mindfulness + Relationships * Entertainment + Stars + Screen + Binge + Culture + Media * Tech + Innovate + Gadget + Foreseeable Future + Mission: Ahead + Upstarts + Work Transformed + Innovative Cities * Style + Arts + Design + Fashion + Architecture + Luxury + Beauty + Video * Travel + Destinations + Food and Drink + Stay + News + Videos * Sports + Football + Tennis + Golf + Tokyo 2020 + US Sports + Climbing + Motorsport + Formula E + Esports * Videos + Live TV + Digital Studios + CNN Films + HLN + TV Schedule + TV Shows A-Z + CNNVR * Features + As Equals + Call to Earth + Freedom Project + Impact Your World + Inside Africa + 2 Degrees + CNN Heroes + All Features * Weather + Climate + Storm Tracker + Wildfire Tracker + Video * More + Photos + Longform + Investigations + CNN Profiles + CNN Leadership + CNN Newsletters + Work for CNN --------------------------------------------------------------------- World Follow CNN * * * --------------------------------------------------------------------- * Terms of Use * Privacy Policy * Accessibility & CC * AdChoices * About Us * Modern Slavery Act Statement * Advertise with us * CNN Store * Newsletters * Transcripts * License Footage * CNN Newsource * Sitemap (c) 2021 Cable News Network.A Warner Media Company.All Rights Reserved. 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