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Rolls-Royce has been granted a patent in China for the Environship wave-piercing bow technology for merchant vessels, in recognition of its unique and innovative bow design.

The Environship concept, which can be adapted for different ship types, incorporates a range of Rolls-Royce technologies to deliver efficiency savings for ship owners.

The design features a bow with a vertical stem for a smooth entry into the water. When a wave is encountered, the hull shape pierces through the water rather than rides over the top, while the bulb contours the shape of waves along the ship's side to reduce wave resistance. The straight flare in the bow design also minimizes speed loss and slamming during operation

Per Egil Vedlog, Rolls-Royce, Design Manager, said: "We are pleased to receive this patent because it represents a benchmark for quality and legal protection. This patented technology will be highly relevant for ship owners looking to improve the efficiency of cargo ships operating along coastlines and inland waterways where it is most important to reduce fuel consumption and emissions."

This is the second of three patents granted for the wave piercing bow design, with patents also successfully registered in Europe last year and Russia this year.