I don't think, say, X-bows as freighters would be less effective. They make a compact & functional design in whole. Check - http://www.speedloader.no/The_Speedloader_project/The_Speedloader.html

Very often in shipping,,new design,,and that,s the last you hear of the design. Remember the A-Symetric stern or the "flat stern with bulges" like a wing,,all with big fanfare, and that,s the last you heard. I think same will happen with the new bow designs,, in the Supplier business they seem to work well, but in the cargo ships section I doubt it.

I had to look closer, it does look very futuristic :-)

Thanks for the info Denis. I have put a link to the "ship of the year 2004".

Claimed to be a highly innovative design with lots of new features, besides awarded "Ship of the year 2004". Strangely it didn't get further than 3 vessels.