Bijlboeg

Axe Bow

Developed by Delft University together with Damen Shipyard

Over the past 50 years, much research has been done to improve the seakeeping of these fast ships in waves. The Laboratory for Ship Hydromechanics of Delft University of Technology played a key role in this research (conducted between 2000 and 2006) on this revolutionary new hull shape 'AXE bow'.

By applying this radically new hull form it is nowadays possible to sail at much higher speeds in the worst weather conditions at sea. An additional major advantage is the energy savings this hull shape provides.

The hull shape has been patented by Delft University and the exclusive right of use has been granted to DAMEN Shipyards, which has been involved in the Research and Development phase. From 2006 to 2020, DAMEN Shipyards built almost 200 of these vessels, underlining their success.