The current series of Norwegian banknotes features the ocean as its overarching theme, and on the 100‑krone note, a Viking ship appears in front of a modern subsea vessel designed by Ulstein. Combined, they illustrate a continuous maritime story, from early coastal voyages to advanced operations beneath the ocean surface – and underline how deeply seafaring is woven into Norwegian society.
This close relationship with the ocean has shaped more than vessels alone. It has influenced how journeys are planned, how risks are managed, and how respect for nature becomes part of seamanship. Harsh weather, long distances and cold waters have always demanded practical solutions, not grand gestures.
From its establishment in 1917 until steel vessels became predominant, Ulstein Mek. Verksted built, repaired and converted wooden fishing vessels. These vessels operated mainly in coastal and open‑sea fisheries along the Norwegian coast and in adjacent northern waters, supporting a fishing industry in transition from sail to engine power.
A modern-day cruise vessel in Antarctica, after completing the crossing of the rough Drake Passage. Photo: Lindblad Expeditions.
Today, expedition cruising brings travellers to some of the same exposed regions, the polar seas, remote coastlines and open ocean crossings, though with very different expectations. Modern expedition guests seek access to untouched environments while also valuing comfort, safety and time well spent on board. This combination places new demands on vessel design: ships must perform reliably in challenging conditions while providing a calm, stable platform for learning, observation, and rest.
Are X-BOW ships based on Viking ships?
No, they differ in several ways.
Viking ships were remarkable for their time; they were long, slender displacement vessels optimised for rowing and sailing at relatively low speeds. Their hulls were open structures, and the forward extension of the bow was largely decorative. Importantly, Viking ships could not allow controlled immersion of the forebody in waves.
Ulstein's modern expedition vessels are designed with a very different approach. Our X-BOW vessels are fully engineered hull forms with a completely enclosed volume extending to the bridge deck. They allow controlled immersion of the forebody, meeting waves more effectively, reducing slamming and vibration, and improving comfort during long crossings.
Along the Norwegian coast, where shipbuilding has often been closely tied to fishing and seafaring, practical experience has long influenced the development of vessels. Early shipyard workers were frequently fishermen themselves, spending winters at sea in small boats before returning to build and refine vessels on land. This overlap between use and design fostered a mindset where safety, reliability and function came first.
Workers at Ulstein, 1927
A family business then - a family business today. Martin Ulstein, in the middle of the front row, was the grandfather of Ulstein's CEO, Gunvor Ulstein, and Chair of the Board, Tore Ulstein.
Safety, reliability and function first
This perspective remains relevant today. Designing vessels for expedition cruising is less about pushing limits and more about understanding conditions – how waves interact with the hull, how motion affects people on board, and how ships can operate efficiently over long lifecycles. Factors such as environmental impact, energy use and operational flexibility are now as important as performance.
Rather than being driven by heritage alone, modern expedition vessel design is shaped by continuity: learning from past experience, responding to present needs and preparing for future expectations. In this sense, voyaging is not something “in the genes”, but something embedded in the landscape, the climate and the long tradition of adapting to life at sea.
Why are vessels with the X-BOW more efficient?
The X‑BOW reduces slamming and energy loss by means of an optimised volume distribution, delivering smoother motions and improved crew comfort. Its performance remains consistent across varying draughts and speeds, unlike conventional flared bows that are optimised for a limited operating range.
