![ULSTEIN SX195 Shanghai Electric](/imager/images/References/9144/ULSTEIN-SX195-Shanghai-Electric-Jan22-Sea-SB-Fore_c36ea0a7a48d13e5607f2ed20023a877.jpg)
![The first X-STERN vessel from ULSTEIN. (Photo: SjimpHansen Media)](/imager/images/News/7408/First-X-STERN-vessel_dcb8cc802de222631212bc79c85b489c.jpg)
X-STERN feedback
The X-STERN is the X-BOW® effect implemented in the aft ship. While the traditional transom plate causes slamming and vibrations when the vessel is backing, the pointed X-STERN has no such effect. The softer motions are energy saving and increase comfort and safety.
Market insight from the offshore wind industry shows that 70 % of the vessels operate backwards in-field, despite the slamming experienced with the flat transom plate. The X-STERN hull solution was welcomed and taken in use on service vessels for the offshore wind industry shortly after its introduction in 2015.
![Siem Moxie at work next to offshore wind turbine](/imager/images/Other-pages/63955/Siem-Moxie-at-work-next-to-offshore-wind-turbine_c36ea0a7a48d13e5607f2ed20023a877.jpg)
The SOV crews give various reasons for astern operations:
- All the work is being performed at the aft. Keeping the aft first leads to a better overview of the vessel’s positioning, as the gangway, the turbine and the ship’s side can all be observed from the bridge.
- Most power is installed in the aft part of the ship, enabling it to keep positioned more easily.
- The vessel doesn’t have to turn around before leaving for the next turbine, saving manoeuvering time between turbines.
![Acta Auriga at work at the BARD Offshore 1 Offshore Wind Farm.](/imager/images/News/6804/Acta-Auriga-at-work-at-the-BARD-Offshore-1-offshore-wind-farm_c36ea0a7a48d13e5607f2ed20023a877.jpg)
Crews on X-STERN vessels have additional reasons for operating astern:
- The X-STERN is kept towards the weather while on standby during night. The service crews get complete rest in between their maintenance shift due to no slamming or vibrations.
- There will also be no slamming due to the X-STERN while on DP or even when transferring between the turbines.
- If the weather is not too adverse, the ship stays on the spot with two thrusters running, which leads to substantial reduction in fuel consumption.
The X-STERN met all our expectations. It is amazing to see a vessel going backwards in bad weather without slamming or having spray on deck.
Proven design - see our references
![](https://ulstein.com/uploads/images/News/one-week-off-the-Windea-La-Cour-at-the-Gemini-Offshore-Wind-Park.-Photo-courtesy-of-Gemini.jpg)
This new ship is a breath of fresh air. As quiet as a mouse. And so stable! I sleep better in my cabin than I do in an average hotel room. It’s a hotel and an office in one. In short: I’m having a great time here!