Axe bow
The axe bow is a wave-piercing type of ship's bow, characterised by a vertical stem and a relatively long and narrow entry. The forefoot is deep and the freeboard relatively high with little flare, so the bow profile resembles that of an axe. The bow is less affected by passing through waves than a bow with more flare, making this bow type much less susceptible to pitching. Because the deep forefoot does not generally rise above the water level, it is less susceptible to slamming. The axe bow moves the centre of lateral area forward and the vessel may need considerably more rudder motion to hold its course, an effect that increases with increasing wave steepness.
A vertical prow is not unique; they were common in the early steam era. The innovation of the axe bow is to combine the shape with a lengthened bow of the ship. This concept was developed in the Netherlands by Lex Keuning of Delft University of Technology, Damen Shipyards Group, Marin, the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution, the Royal Netherlands Navy, Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding and the United States Coast Guard.