Noordam05

Another view of the ship's bow. The bulge in front serves two purposes: it houses the ship's sonar equipment and also parts the water as the ship moves to make for a significantly reduced wake (and consequently saved energy and fuel.)  The white marking at the front of the ship indicates it has a protruding bulge that might not be seen if the ship were lower in the water. The three X markings show where the bow thrusters are located just below the waterline.