Ulstein Group introduces the X-STERN™, a design feature increasing operability through positive effects on station keeping, wave response, comfort and safety in harsh conditions, the company said in its press release.
An X-STERN™ vessel can stay on position in harsh weather with the stern towards waves, wind and current. For vessels where the best possible motion characteristics are vital, positioning the X-STERN™ towards the weather instead of the bow will be the Captain’s natural choice.
The X-STERN™ leads to reduced pitch and wave drift forces, as well as eliminating slamming. Positive effects are reduced power and fuel consumption while on DP, or the possibility of operat-ing in a wider sector with the same power consumption.
The X-STERN™ has several of the same characteristics as the X-BOW®, and additional ice oper-ation capabilities. Its gentle displacement reduces acceleration, pitch and heave, it improves com-fort and safety, and the operational window is increased. There will be no sea on deck, and re-duced ice build-up in cold climates, due to the stern shape and enclosed nature of the aft deck.
“An innovation process is a long process, in which we work strategically in order to come up with safer, smarter and greener solutions,” says Tore Ulstein, deputy CEO and Head of Markets & Innovations in Ulstein.
“We discuss operational challenges with our customers, and work on how to transfer these chal-lenges into technical solutions which can be turned into commercial products. The X-STERN™ is patent-pending in several countries, including the USA and in the EU.”
In 2005, Ulstein Group introduced the X-BOW® to the market, a design feature which increases crew comfort while giving the opportunity to keep up speed in foul weather or the option of re-duced fuel consumption. Currently, close to 100 X-BOW® vessels are being constructed or have been delivered world-wide. The X-STERN™ takes a new step in increasing vessel operability even more.
The X-STERN™ is a sloping and higher stern, allowing for a sharp stern shape in which the transom plate is replaced by a pointed aft. The X-STERN™ is developed particularly for vessels dependent on the best possible motion characteristics. With the X-STERN™, the vessel can stay positioned with the stern towards the weather, even in harsh conditions.