X-bow (shipbuilding)

The Ulstein X-bow [1] is an inverted ship's bow designed by Ulstein Group to improve handling in rough sea, and to lower fuel consumption by causing less hydrodynamic drag.[2] It is shaped somewhat like a submarine's bow.

As of 2010, 15 X-Bow vessels of different types are operating.[3]

The Bourbon Orca, design AX104 is an Ulstein A-Series Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessel, built for Bourbon Offshore Norway, and was the first ship built with the Ulstein X-bow[4] in 2006. The operator claims that the design achieves higher speed and a calmer motion in rough seas.[5]

Reference

  1. ^ Dagens Næringsliv, November 15, 2008,p.24
  2. ^ Five (TV channel) television program Megastructures, 12.45 to 1.45 pm Friday 29 January 2010
  3. ^ Ulstein X-BOW® five years – overwhelming response from users ShipPedia, 22 December 2010. Accessed: 11 March 2011.
  4. ^ Naval architect Royal Institution of Naval Architects 2003
  5. ^ A series of four Ulstein designed inverted bow PSV vessels page 16-17 Bourbon (company), 24 June 2010. Accessed: 11 March 2011.

External links