Ulstein X-STERN design won the "New Generation Ship Award"

     At the recent opening ceremony of the Norwegian Maritime Exhibition ( Nor-Shipping ) in 2015 , the X-STERN model ship launched by Norwegian shipbuilding group Ulstein won the “New Generation Ship Award”. The main measure of this award is the innovation of ship design.

Ulstein developed an innovative X-STERN design in the X-BOW design. The X-STERN type operates in much the same way as the X-BOW design, which protects the work deck, reduces vibration during transportation, and improves crew comfort. The X-STERN design reduces the stern volume and thus reduces wind impact.

    The “New Generation of Ship Awards” is innovative and aims to select the most promising ship designs for the next decade. The selected ships showcase the greatest advancements and innovations in design. This award assesses ship design in terms of energy efficiency, innovation, applicability and flexibility, technology utilization, safety and environmental sustainability.

     Currently, Ulstein's X-STERN design has received two orders for new ships, this design will use two SX175 type offshore wind farm service ship at Ulstein Verft for the Bernhard Schulte built.

The main feature of the X-STERN design is its sloping, higher stern, which is very sharp in shape, with the beam plate replaced by a pointed stern. According to Ulstein , this will raise the draught position, reduce the effects of waves, improve the safety and comfort of the crew, and reduce fuel consumption. Ulstein said that for ships, the most advantageous feature of this design is its flexibility. In order to maintain the position, the X-STERN hull can replace the bow when facing extreme weather, which will enable the DP dynamic positioning system to operate better with the wind, reduce power and improve fuel consumption by up to 25% .