Ab Initio uses electric propulsion supplied by two diesel generators, batteries and solar panels, providing a relevant setting for the energy management solutions being developed in AIMPERES.
During a short cruise in Rotterdam, partners explored the vessel’s technical spaces and saw its onboard systems up close. The visit provided a practical look at how different energy sources and systems come together on board, and at the operating environment in which the AIMPERES solutions will be tested.
A testing vessel for AIMPERES
Ab Initio will be one of the testing vessels in AIMPERES as the project develops and demonstrates an AI-powered energy management system for existing ships.
The project will explore how vessel data can be used to optimise energy use and provide actionable recommendations for crews, operators and shipowners. On a vessel with several energy sources available, this includes finding better ways to manage how energy is produced, stored and used under different operating conditions.
Testing on vessels such as Ab Initio will allow the consortium to bring the technology from development to real-world validation and measure its potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Connecting technology with real-world operations
Seeing Ab Initio and its systems first-hand also gave the partners a common reference point for the technical work ahead. The visit connected ongoing work on AI, modelling, emissions monitoring and decision support with the onboard environment where the technology will ultimately be applied.
Ab Initio is one of several vessels that will support this work. AIMPERES will validate its technology across inland, coastal and deep-sea vessels to explore how AI-powered energy management can be applied across different vessel types and operating profiles.
Moving the project forward in Rotterdam
The visit formed part of a three-day consortium meeting hosted by STC. Alongside the time aboard Ab Initio, the partners held working sessions across the AIMPERES work packages to share progress, coordinate activities and take the next steps in the project.
The days in Rotterdam brought together the technical work taking place across the consortium with one of the vessels that will help put it into practice.
AIMPERES brings together ten partners from six countries to develop AI-powered energy management for the existing maritime fleet, helping reduce fuel consumption and emissions through smarter use of vessel data.
