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. Its unique features distinguish it from others, and its exceptional quality lies beneath the waterline.
The game-changing advantages of TWIN X-STERN
Navigate the maritime frontier with TWIN X-STERN. Merging innovative design with eco-efficiency, it's the choice for forward-thinking shipowners.
- Enhanced fuel efficiency
- The TWIN X-STERN design, building on the legacy of the X-BOW® and the X-STERN®, offers improved operability and fuel efficiency, driving down operational costs.
- Sustainability edge
- With increasing emphasis on zero-emission marine operations by 2050, the TWIN X-STERN provides an eco-friendly approach, positioning shipowners and operators at the forefront of sustainable marine innovations.
- Unmatched operability
- The unique dual stern and bow design with main propeller units at each end ensures smoother motions, higher comfort, and increased operability, making it a preferred choice for complex marine operations.
- Superior manoeuvrability
- The TWIN X-STERN's innovative combination of thrusters and hull design offers enhanced manoeuvrability and the ability to maintain position effectively, which is vital for wind farm operations.
- Noise & energy savings
- This innovative design ensures a quieter operation for increased onboard comfort and leads to significant energy savings during operations, directly benefiting the environment and operational costs.
- Weather-Adaptive Performance
- With the TWIN X-STERN's excellent performance in either direction, there's no need to constantly adjust the ship's direction in response to changing weather.
It's a 'win-wind' situation
As a shipowner or operator, there is a need to think about the lowest possible life cycle cost in the fleet. Cost-effectiveness related to fuel consumption has always been a concern for the shipowner. Still, there is also a growing unease concerning the environmental consequences—the commitment to achieve zero-emission marine operations by 2050 sets a new standard. Older vessels need to be upgraded, and new ships must be designed with a more sustainable approach.
Delivering on emission goals becomes a more significant criterion when contracts for wind farm operations are tendered. The TWIN X-STERN might be the competitive edge you need as an operator to win market shares in the offshore wind industry and take a sustainable responsibility. It's a 'win-wind' situation.
How to get a competitive edge
Standards and demands for efficiency, safety and green responsibility are changing, and marine operations are becoming increasingly complex. Keeping pace under such conditions can be demanding.
The TWIN X-STERNhas several characteristics, but the easiest way to describe it is as a ship with two sterns and main propeller units at each end.
The combination of thrusters and hull design results in lower energy consumption and reduced motions, and therefore, higher operability and comfort.
This concept dramatically improves manoeuvrability, motions and ability to stay in position. Qualities that make the TWIN X-STERN ideal for wind farm operations. Further, the concept allows for reduced noise, more comfort on board and the potential to save significant amounts of energy in operation.
By having excellent performance in either direction, you avoid having to turn the ship to follow weather changes.
Lars Ståle Skoge
Commercial Director at Ulstein Design & Solutions
According to the Commercial Director at Ulstein Design & Solutions, Lars Ståle Skoge, the TWIN X-STERN has considerable efficiency potential. A ship has to follow the weather when in operation, and turning the ship is traditionally required up to 50 per cent of the time. And this is where the TWIN X-STERN excels. By having excellent performance in either direction, you avoid having to turn the ship to follow weather changes.
TWIN X-STERN references
Related stories
The TWIN X-STERN® design provides fuel savings and maximum manoeuvrability
Ulstein has developed a ship with two sterns and main propeller units in each corner, ideally for offshore operations requiring continuous positioning. “The TWIN X-STERN is extremely manoeuvrable, comfortable to be on board and very environmentally friendly,” says Øyvind Gjerde Kamsvåg, Chief Designer at Ulstein.
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James Fisher goes for TWIN X-STERN SOV concept
James Fisher unveils the pioneering 'Diamond SOV', an ULSTEIN SX221 TWIN X-STERN® Service Operation Vessel (SOV) concept. Designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS, the concept is expected to support the UK’s target of 50GW of offshore wind energy by 2030.
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Acta Marine orders the two first ULSTEIN TWIN X-STERN® Construction Service Operating Vessels with design from Ulstein Design & Solutions AS. The design contract also includes options for two vessels, all four of the ULSTEIN SX216 design. The vessels will be delivered with dual-fuel methanol/diesel power generators.
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2022: Industrial Design Company of the Year
On 20 October 2022, Ulstein was appointed 'The Industrial Design Company of the Year Award.' The jury stated Ulstein has ‘design as a part of its DNA. The world is facing enormous challenges, and the company is working to solve these challenges by thinking differently, and working across disciplines and industries.'
TWIN X-STERN E-book
In the e-book you can dive into topics such as:
- What is the ULSTEIN TWIN X-STERN?
- How does it work?
- What are the application areas?
And much more.
Redefining maritime efficiency
Experience transformative maritime efficiency with Ulstein's designs. We're setting new benchmarks in sustainable seafaring excellence by bridging fuel optimisation with heightened comfort and safety.
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.
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®
The TWIN X-STERN® is the latest addition to the innovative designs of X-BOW® and X-STERN® that enhance fuel efficiency and operability. Its unique features distinguish it from others, and its exceptional quality lies beneath the waterline.
