World’s First Zero-Emission Autonomous Container Ship Receives Box Coolers

NRF will supply 8 bottom pull type box coolers with DNV class for the world’s first autonomous, zero-emission vessel named Yara Birkeland. Total power is existing of 2x 900 kW + 2x 700 kW with energy storage of 7000 Kwh. The NRF box coolers will cool the main battery sets and the main propulsion thrusters.

For main battery sets, box coolers are designed to provide sufficient cooling in stationary mode and will be placed in the skeg of the vessel. For main propulsion thrusters, located in aft-ship and tunnel thrusters in the pump room, box coolers are designed for a cruising speed of 3 knots.

The box coolers are produced custom-made in the production facility in the Netherlands. All types are customized according to shape and space of the sea chests. During the design, a standard safety margin is taken into account to guarantee trouble-free operation in all conditions. The box coolers are protected with the new revolutionary RED TULIP coating. This coating is resistant against stray currents and prevents blistering caused by stray currents from electrical systems.

These box coolers have the advantage that they can be easily dismounted from below during docking, preventing difficult handling through the engine room.

The 80m-long and 15m-wide Yara Birkeland will be the world’s first fully electrical and autonomous container ship with zero emissions. With this vessel, Yara will reduce diesel-powered truck haulage by 40,000 journeys a year. Operation is planned to start in the first quarter of 2020. First, it will be tested with a limited crew. The vessel will gradually move from manned operation to fully autonomous operation by 2022.

Besides the design and custom-made production of box coolers, NRF also produces shell-and-tube coolers, plate heat exchangers and stationary coolers for marine applications. NRF supplies these cooling solutions to a worldwide customer base.

Press Release