Abstract: The stern construction has an open channel let in to each side of the hull. The channel merges with the hull at its forward end and terminates in front of the upper part of the propeller disc at its rear end. The lower side of the channel is formed by a depending part of the hull which houses the tailshaft. The upper edge of each channel joins the part of the hull above the channel along a knuckle line. The upper side of the channel is disposed at an angle of inclination to the horizontal which decreases towards the rear of the ship so as to intercept the wake of the ship progressively and divert it into the upper part of the propeller disc.The invention is applicable to full bodied ships such as tankers.