VESSEL REVIEW | Ab Initio – Dutch maritime training company places shallow-draught vessel into service

Netherlands-based marine training services provider the STC Group has placed a new shallow-draught, inland waterway training vessel into service.

The 67- by 8.2-metre Ab Initio ("From the Beginning") was built by local company Concordia Damen to a design by C-Job Naval Architects. The newbuild replaces Prinses Beatrix and Prinses Christina, two 1960s-built vessels in the STC training fleet, in providing instruction for future maritime crews.

Construction of the hull took place in Serbia while the final outfitting was carried out in the Netherlands. C-Job said the new vessel was built with recyclable materials and is powered by a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. The modular construction allows for the engines and other key components to be individually replaced without having to remove large portions of the hull.

The vessel is also capable of partially generating its own energy thanks to the installation of 200 square metres of solar panels and a wind turbine. STC added that emission-free sailings of up to four hours long are possible with the new ship.

The onboard generators are designed to be changeable, and the ship can be configured to accommodate fuel cells or hydrogen fuel depending on future availability.

C-Job said it started with a simplistic ship design and made adjustments to make the vessel look "futuristic, innovative, and recognisable," attributes that were specified by the owner. This design approach also makes the build more affordable. To allow the design to accommodate a draught of only 1.8 metres, the vessel incorporates that a hull shape that cuts easily through the water.

The vessel was also designed to operate as a floating laboratory that will enable Dutch companies to test innovative maritime products and services in collaboration with the students who will be embarked for training. One notable feature is a laboratory situated just ahead of the engine room. The laboratory and the engine room are separated by a fireproof window to enable students to see engine operations first-hand from the relative safety of the laboratory.

Students and crew will be housed in cabins with a total of 39 berths.