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Ab Initio - Sustainable Training Vessel

The development and delivery of a maritime hydrogen fuel cell system for STC training ship ‘Ab Initio’

Zepp.solutions developed the hydrogen fuel cell system for a new training vessel for the STC Group. The 67 meter-long ship will be used for the practical training of students of maritime courses. The ‘Ab Initio’ entered service in September 2022.

From the start of the design in 2018, STC considered it important to familiarize the professionals of the future with technology of the future. The inclusion of modern and sustainable technologies has been of the highest importance for the STC group. The ship contains an electric powertrain and the deck is covered with over 200 square meters of solar panels. Knowing hydrogen will play an important role in the shipping industry, the STC board decided to also implement hydrogen technology on the ship in late 2021. After a convincing proposition, zepp.solutions was given the green light to supply the hydrogen fuel cell system and hydrogen storage system as a complete solution.

Role of zepp.solutions

Zepp.solutions produced and integrated a maritime 50kW system based on their existing maritime fuel cell system platform and a complete hydrogen storage solution.

Project results

The casco was outfitted by Concordia Damen in Werkendam, the Netherlands, and the ship was launched in September 2022. Zepp.solutions’ hydrogen fuel cell system was integrated in Q1 2024. 

Take a look at the STC Ab Initio website for more information