Ulstein to design non-fossil fuelled X-Bow containership for Edge Navigation

Nowegian ship designer Ulstein Design & Solutions AS has been chosen by compatriot maritime startup Edge Navigation AS as a partner in developing a container vessel with the patented X-Bow hull lines for non-fossil propulsion towards achieving zero emissions in maritime transport.

“An energy efficient design is fundamental to all new containership designs,” Jakob Tolstrup-Møller, Managing Director – CEO at Edge Navigation, said.

“Energy efficiency will be a key component to making the energy transition happen… Less power needed per container under a wider range of operating scenarios due to the X-Bow will lower the bar for switching into Green Energy propulsion.”

“In this project, we develop further the design of container vessels e.g. by using non-fossil fuel propulsion as well as the energy-efficient X-Bow hull design, to achieve the goal of green maritime transport,” Lars Ståle Skoge, commercial director at Ulstein Design & Solutions, explained.

The global containership fleet numbers today about 5,350 ships with about 24 million TEU carrying capacity – all with fossil fuel propulsion.

Tolstrup-Møller and Skoge firstly engaged in talks about X-BOW container vessels more than ten years ago.

“Container transportation is an integral part of the global economy affecting the daily life of all directly or indirectly. The energy transition will force a paradigm shift in the maritime industry as shippers / cargo-owners look to eliminate emissions. Consequently, we need to innovate by adapting and combining technology towards achieving zero-emission powering,” Tolstrup-Møller added.

“Given the paramount need to provide for efficient use of energy, the X-BOW is an optimal design solution, and we are working very closely with Ulstein Design & Solutions now to develop an efficient design that allows for innovative green energy power solutions,” he concluded.