Offshore staff
STAVANGER, Norway – Ulstein Group has introduced the X-STERN, a vessel design feature that increases operability through positive effects on station keeping, wave response, comfort, and safety in harsh conditions.
An X-STERN vessel can stay on position in harsh weather with the stern toward waves, wind, and current. For vessels where the best possible motion characteristics are vital, positioning the X-STERN toward the weather instead of the bow will be the captain’s natural choice.
The X-STERN leads to reduced pitch and wave drift forces, and also eliminates slamming. Positive effects are reduced power and fuel consumption while on DP, or the possibility of operating 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 operation capabilities. Its gentle displacement reduces acceleration, pitch, and heave, it improves comfort and safety, and the operational window is increased. There will be no sea on deck, and reduced ice buildup in cold climates, due to the stern shape and enclosed nature of the aft deck.
09/02/2014
