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Hull innovations

From wave-slicing bows to monopile-ready sterns, we help you achieve more uptime, lower emissions, and greater comfort on board.

Innovations that power safer, greener and more efficient operations

At Ulstein, we see hull innovation as key to delivering safer, more efficient maritime operations. The X-BOW® enhances seakeeping by slicing through waves, improving both efficiency and comfort. The X-STERN® offers similar benefits at the aft, boosting operability when manoeuvring stern-first. For vessels requiring agility, the TWIN X-STERN® delivers optimised performance at both ends. The ULSTEIN U-STERN™, purpose-built for offshore wind operations, particularly monopile installations, features a unique shape that reduces resistance and fuel consumption while enabling safer, smarter handling of heavy components. Together, these designs empower you to operate with greater efficiency, sustainability, and confidence—even in the most demanding conditions.

X-BOW®

The ULSTEIN X-BOW, the inverted bow concept, redefined marine engineering. The bow concept was launched in 2005, together with the first shipbuilding contract, and gained immediate interest from shipowners. The X-BOW hull line design has been tried in most weather conditions.

Acta Auriga leaving the construction yard, Ulstein Verft, for her new work base at Eemshaven.

X-STERN®

The X-STERN introduces the documented X-BOW® effect to the aft ship, harnessing the benefits of improved safety for crew and equipment, increased flexibility in operations and reduced fuel consumption.

TWIN X-STERN, an ULSTEIN SX222 below view

TWIN X-STERN®

The TWIN X-STERN is the latest addition to the innovative designs of X-BOW and X-STERN that enhance fuel efficiency and operability. 

ULSTEIN U STERN seen from front web

ULSTEIN U-STERN™

Innovative monopile installation with ULSTEIN U-STERN

ULSTEIN THOR concept design award 2023 copy

Award-winning maritime pioneers

With joy of creation, or "skaparglede", we combine skills, knowledge and creativity to develop new concepts, solutions and products that can carry the maritime industry into the future.

Let’s talk. We’re here to help.

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Øyvind Kamsvåg DSC4257 comp bw

Øyvind Gjerde Kamsvåg

Description
Chief Designer
Affiliation
Ulstein International AS
Edwin van Leeuwen Ulstein 19 comp bw

Edwin van Leeuwen

Description
Managing Director
Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V.
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How we innovate, engage and advance

Our vision is to create tomorrow's solutions for sustainable marine operations. We design, develop, and build vessels tailored for the most challenging conditions. 

Discover how we blend structure with creativity, leverage experience with innovation, and balance bold thinking with precise execution.