Page 55: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (October 2015)

Pictured left is the subsea vessel (Photo: Ulstein)

Island Performer

Ulstein’s X-BOW Turns 10

While new designs often grab headlines, ma- “The shipowner, having seen an early sketch ture designs that have enjoyed success are per- on the ? rst page of a magazine, challenged us to haps better indicators of true progress in marine present some realistic ideas for a vessel with a technology. When the Ultstein X-Bow made its backward-sloping bow. ‘This instigated a dedi- debut 10 years ago, some scoffed at the unusual cated effort on the part of several players’, in- design characteristics. They laugh no more, as cluding design experts from Ulstein. Bourbon the Ultstein X-Bow hull line design turns 10. Offshore Norway was convinced by the bow

Now in its tenth year, the 100th X-BOW ship- design that came about from this exchange of building contract was signed, and the X-BOW’s ideas, because the bow would eliminate slam- derivative, the X-STERN – a similar solution for ming, keep up speed in a head sea and protect the the ship’s stern – has been contracted on its ? rst fore-deck area from green sea and spray, while two vessels. “The X-BOW was developed dur- simultaneously improving comfort and rest for ing 2003-2004 – one of the latest tough periods crews in transit,” she said. for the offshore industry - and revealed in 2005 The very ? rst feedback came from the very together with the contract for the ? rst vessel, an ? rst vessel, Bourbon Orca, and it came from the anchor handling tug supply vessel for Bourbon cook: “I don’t have to call the captain to make

Offshore Norway,” said Gunvor Ulstein, CEO, him reduce speed while I’m preparing dinner.

Ulstein Group. The casseroles stay put.”

X-BOW highlights through the years ...

2005 2008 2014 • First contract X-BOW - AHTS for • Contract X-BOW SEISMIC RE- • 12 X-BOW vessels delivered - two

Bourbon Offshore Norway SEARCH - six for Polarcus The Ulstein Yard, seven China, one • Contract two X-BOW PSVs - Bour- Spain, one Brazil, one Norway bon Offshore Norway 2010 • Launch of the PX121 design 2015 2006 • 18 X-BOW vessels to be delivered - • Contract X-BOW SUBSEA - Island 2012 ? ve The Ulstein Yard, 10 China, three

Constructor, SX121 for Island Off- • 12 X-BOW vessels delivered - four Singapore shore The Ulstein Yard, four Brazil, two Chi- • X-BOW number 100 - First with X- • Bourbon Mistral X-BOW PSV deliv- na, two Spain STERN - two for Windea ered 2013 2016-2017 2007 • 13 X-BOW vessels delivered - ? ve • 19 X-BOW vessels to be delivered - • Contract X-BOW-SEISMIC RV - four The Ulstein Yard, six China, one Brazil, two The Ulstein Yard, four Japan, nine for Eastern Echo (WesternGeco), two one Spain China, three Brazil, one U.S.

for Eidesvik/CGG Veritas • Contract X-BOW HEAVY LIFT - Toisa www.marinelink.com 55

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