achtersteven

Achtersteven is the Dutch nautical term for the stern, the rear part of a vessel’s hull. It denotes the portion of the hull behind the midsection and opposite the bow (boeg). The achtersteven is often associated with stern-specific structures and features that can be present on various vessel types.

In shipbuilding and everyday nautical usage, the achtersteven encompasses the area where stern-related components such as the sternpost and, on many ships, the rudder and steering gear are located. The design and shape of the achtersteven can influence hydrodynamic performance, including wake generation and handling characteristics, particularly for vessels with stern-mounted propulsion or particular hull forms.

The term is standard in Dutch maritime vocabulary and appears in ship plans, nautical literature, and maritime regulations. It is used to describe both historical vessels and modern ships, reflecting its role as a basic reference point in discussing hull layout and vessel behavior.