2 sep 2022
Hypermodern and ‘green’ training ship Ab Initio christened and commissioned
Today, on the first day of the World Port Days, the new training vessel of STC, ‘Ab Initio,’ was christened in Rotterdam. The ship, built by Concordia Damen in Werkendam, will play a significant role in the maritime education programs at the secondary vocational, intermediate vocational, and higher vocational levels of STC. Therefore, it is already equipped with state-of-the-art technologies.
At STC’s inland shipping training programs, young individuals are trained as deckhands, skippers, or skipper/entrepreneurs. On the ship, part of the students gain practical experience while the other half receives theoretical lessons on board. Students from the intermediate vocational education programs for inland shipping gain experience on board with various propulsion systems, both in their operation and maintenance. On board, they also cook and clean together, just like on a ‘regular’ inland vessel.
Biggest fleet of Europe
The christening ceremony was performed by Caroline Nagtegaal-van Doorn, ransportation specialist and Member of the European Parliament for the VVD party. “A beautiful day,” said Jan Kweekel, member of the Executive Board at STC. “With over 8,000 vessels, the Netherlands has the largest inland shipping fleet in Europe. Especially considering the sustainability of transportation, it is essential that we continue to invest in water transport. And therefore, also in the men and women who work in this sector.”
Sustainability played a significant role in the design and construction of the 67-meter-long ship. Chris Kornet, CEO of Concordia Damen, stated, “We used recyclable materials, and the Ab Initio is equipped with hybrid propulsion. This includes a modern Stage V diesel engine, as well as electric and hydrogen propulsion through a fuel cell. The ship can even generate some of its own energy through 200 square meters of solar panels. The easily exchangeable generators also make the Ab Initio suitable for future fuels, ensuring it is future-proof.”
Giant step
The Ab Initio – meaning ‘from the beginning’ – replaces the training vessels Prinses Beatrix and Prinses Christina, dating back to the 1960s, and represents a significant leap forward in terms of safety and comfort. Naturally, the Ab Initio is fully equipped to accommodate both men and women. There are 39 sleeping accommodations on board.
The ship will also be used to introduce students from vulnerable neighborhoods in Rotterdam to the maritime sector and inspire them for a maritime future.
Collaboration and support
The Ab Initio is a product of collaboration and support from the entire maritime sector. The initiative was taken by STC. Through sponsorship from entities such as the municipality, Stichting De Verre Bergen and businesses – including the builder Concordia Damen – a state-of-the-art ship has been created that genuinely prepares students for the future in inland shipping.
In collaboration with Gebroeders De Jonge Shipbuilding Services, the hull was built in Serbia. It was then pushed via the Danube, Rhine, Waal, and Merwede rivers to the Concordia Damen shipyard in Werkendam, where it was completed in partnership with CCM3. On August 25th, the ship was delivered and handed over to STC.
STC is the vocational college for shipping, transport, and port industry. STC Group operates internationally with locations both domestically and abroad. Its headquarters are in the main port of Rotterdam. The Ab Initio plays a significant role in the education of secondary vocational, intermediate vocational, and higher vocational students who pursue maritime education at STC Group.
