Closeup of the 'Olivia O' X-BOW yacht.

The ULSTEIN X-BOW® – Beautifully bold. Brilliantly efficient

Some say it’s cool. Others call it ugly. We say it’s unapologetically different — and that’s precisely the point. 

The ULSTEIN X-BOW® turns traditional ship design on its head. Literally. By flipping the conventional bow shape, we've created a safer, sleeker, and stronger way to sail. This isn't only about looks. It's about leading the future of maritime design.

And guess what? It works.

Fuel savings that matter

The X-BOW isn’t just eye-catching — it’s fuel-cutting. It contributes to reducing fuel consumption by 6–8%, translating to lower emissions and serious cost savings.

Speed, stability, and strength

The X-BOW keeps ships moving fast and smooth, even when the waves get rough. That means more reliable itineraries, less downtime, and improved crew and passenger comfort. It even boosts transport capacity by up to 3% and annual revenue potential by 5%.

Seven Viking

Comfort that’s felt

Less pounding. Less spray. Less seasickness. The X-BOW reduces slamming and pitch motion, making life onboard better for everyone, whether you're a roughneck on a supply ship or a scientist on a polar expedition.

Form follows function

In an industry chasing sustainability and smarter performance, we chose progress over tradition. The X-BOW is a design born from purpose — not convention - and that’s what makes it beautiful.

So, call it what you want. But the numbers don’t lie.

The ULSTEIN X-BOW® isn’t just a look — it’s a leap forward.

Want to know more details?

Download X-BOW® and X-STERN e-book | Ulstein

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  • The subsea rock installation vessel 'Bravenes', designed by Ulstein for Van Oord.
  • The X-BOW on the Ocean Albatros.
  • Greg Mortimer's X-BOW cutting the seas, photo: Scott Portelli/Aurora Expeditions.
  • Windea Leibniz at sea trial, photo by Per Eide Studio.
  • Ecofive Foto Svein Egil Økland Westcon 0081
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  • The ULSTEIN X-BOW® of the expedition cruise vessel Ocean Victory, a 2021 delivery..
  • 'Olivia O', an ULSTEIN X-BOW Yacht, designed and built for an undisclosed owner.
  • Acta Centaurus, an offshore wind service vessel owned by Acta Marine, photo: Flying Focus.
  • The anchor handling tug supply vessel 'Bourbon Orca' is the first X-BOW vessel, delivered in 2006. Photo: Stills Studio
  • VOS Partner, a PX121 platform supply design featuring the X-BOW hull line design. Photo is taken at the Cosco Guangdong Shipyard.
  • A seismic X-BOW vessel, the Polarcus Amani of the SX134 design, designed and built by Ulstein. (photo by Per Eide Studio).
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    The X-BOW vessels are praised by cruise operators.
  • Testing of the first X-BOW vessel, the hull of 'Bourbon Orca', at Marintek, Trondheim. Photo: Tony Hall
    Testing the first X-BOW hull, the anchor handling tug supply vessel 'Bourbon Orca', at Marintek, Trondheim.
  • The X-BOW pushing forward in the icy waters. Photo: Lindblad Expeditions.
    The X-BOW pushing forward in the icy waters. Photo: Lindblad Expeditions.
Lars Ståle Skoge DSC4468 comp bw

Lars Ståle Skoge

Commercial Director

Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS