Why Ulstein’s X-Bow and hydrogen will be used in new box ship design

The partners are evaluating using a modular hydrogen fuel cell solution to achieve non-fossil fuel propulsion, collaborating with ABB to develop this solution based on fuel cells from Ballard Power Systems. The design will incorporate the Ulstein X-Bow.

Ulstein Design & Solutions commercial director Lars Ståle Skoge told Container Shipping & Trade, “Combining Edge Navigation’s ambition to do something about emissions on the container trade with the X-Bow, we have a good starting point by reducing the need for power with this hull type. We have to react to the global goal of reducing emissions.”

It is the first time the X-Bow will be used on a container ship. “It is well suited for any ship because it allows the vessel to cut through waves, it is not lifted as high by the waves as with a traditional hull because the water slides off instead of hitting the flare and by this, reduces resistance and the need for energy to power the vessel. It takes away the vibration induced by the waves to the hull. Traditionally, waves hitting the bow will add slamming and vibrations to the vessel, and to have a vessel shaking year after year is stressful to all on board. Also, wear and tear on equipment is heavily reduced by using the X-Bow to avoid slamming.”