For the ‘Ab Initio,’ STC Group has chosen zepp.solutions to provide a hydrogen fuel cell system and hydrogen storage solution. Students pursuing a maritime education at the STC Group will use the 67-meter-long ship for practical training sessions. In September 2022, the Ab Initio is planned to be commissioned.
STC believed it was critical to educate future experts on future technologies from the beginning of the design process in 2018. As a result, the STC group places a premium on the integration of modern and sustainable technologies. The ship, for example, is entirely powered by electricity, and the deck is covered with more than 200 square meters of solar panels. The board of STC has agreed to integrate hydrogen technology aboard the ship by the end of 2021, anticipating the vital role that hydrogen would play in shipping. On March 31, zepp.solutions gained approval to deliver a complete hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen storage system after presenting a compelling case.
“We are quite glad and grateful for the assistance of many partners that enable the deployment of green hydrogen on the new training vessel,” says Jan Kweekel, a member of the STC Group’s Executive Board. During their training, we provide our learners and students with the chance to become adept in dealing with green hydrogen. This knowledge and experience will be useful in a career in the rapidly developing maritime transport sector.” “We are happy and grateful to contribute to the growth of Ab Initio,” says Jonas Brendelberger, one of the company’s founders. So far, our partnership with STC Group and Concordia has been amazing, and we are excited to continue working with such a dedicated team and yard. This project demonstrates why Zepp.solutions has become a trusted brand in the hydrogen business.”
Systems for Maritime Fuel Cells
As a range extender, Zepp.solutions is offering a 45 kW maritime fuel cell system that will continuously replenish the Ab Initio’s battery system. The module is exceptionally small, with a fully integrated system architecture that reduces integration complexity and cost. Because the module comprises all essential fuel cell subsystems, critical interfaces are reduced, making it a perfect drop-in solution.
A hydrogen storage system with a filling pressure of 350 bar and a storage capacity of 35 kg of hydrogen supplies hydrogen gas to the fuel cell system. The ship’s zero-emission range is doubled with this combination approach.
Action-packed year
Concordia will finish the hull at Werkendam, the Netherlands, where the zepp.solutions fuel cell system will also be installed. The ship will be delivered in September 2022, according to the existing timetable, and will be used to train a new generation of marine employees for a future in inland navigation.
