Ocean Victory 07 March V10 Paulet Island 5061

X-BOW® leads to higher speed and more time where it matters

Even when going fast, the X-BOW provides comfort and gets the job done. Rough weather is quite normal when working at sea, and this will delay operation and transit time. But not always.

Proven designs: 120 plus X-BOW vessels in operation around the world

With feedback like ‘amazing experience’ and 'the vessel is extremely quiet when underway, and minimal vibrations are felt in heavy seas. It is a ride of luxury', as stated by crews and passengers on X-BOW vessels. It is hard to ignore the impact this hull innovation has had since its introduction in 2005.

X-BOW: proven performance across every vessel type

Since its debut in 2005, the X-BOW has been adopted by a wide range of vessels and ship owners worldwide. What began in the Offshore Oil & Gas segment, serving anchor handling, supply, rescue, seismic, subsea construction and heavy-lift operations, has expanded into many new markets.

Today, the X-BOW is used on ultra‑long‑distance towing vessels, walk‑to‑work and service operation vessels, subsea rock installation ships, exploration cruise vessels, RoPax ferries, yachts, fishing trawlers, and short‑sea cargo vessels, including container feeders, open‑hatch carriers, heavy lifters, car carriers, and chemical and gas tankers.

Its versatility and performance make X-BOW a defining solution across modern maritime operations.

It’s a totally different experience! In big seas, I kept waiting for the slamming, but it never came. You don’t feel the sea, you have to relearn how to interpret the vessel behaviour. Other ships can only keep half the speed.

Ulf-Peter Lindstrøm
Captain, Greg Mortimer

Why are vessels with the X-BOW more efficient?

The X‑BOW’s volume distribution prevents the heavy slamming seen in flared bows, giving gentler motions, better crew comfort and less energy loss. It is also less sensitive to changes in draught and speed, maintaining power–speed performance across varying loads. Conventional flared bows, by contrast, are optimised for a narrow loading condition and speed range.

Trust through experience

Decades of building state-of-the-art vessels for demanding marine operations have given us a knowledge base and experience that guarantee the highest standards of quality, execution, and delivery. 

Explore our cruise references. 

The overall comfort and quietness of the vessel is another real big plus. The comfort that the X-BOW provides is just incredible: I have not had a single bow slam the entire season! Also, speed is considerably less impacted in head-on seas. The Drake Passage is a much less dreadful place now.

Martin Graser
Captain, National Geographic Resolution

Download your X-BOW and X-STERN e-book

 Studies, documentation and experiences on the X-BOW and the X-STERN. 

Learn more about key benefits, documented achievements, and case studies of iconic hull concepts. 

Let’s talk. We’re here to help.

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Runar Muren DSC4429 comp bw

Runar Muren

Description
Managing Director
Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS
Øyvind Kamsvåg DSC4257 comp bw

Øyvind Gjerde Kamsvåg

Description
Chief Designer
Affiliation
Ulstein International AS
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Torill Muren

Description
Lead Naval Architect
Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS
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