SURFACE EFFECT SHIP (SES) DEVELOPMENTS WORLDWIDE

It has been more than 30 years since the introduction of the SES. There are several hundred operating SES in the world today. Most are relatively small (less than 200 tons) and have operating speeds of 25 to 40 knots. The potential for larger, faster, SES has long been recognized. Today, with the emergence of six independent European initiatives for the development of 40 to 50-knot, 500 to 2000-ton, SES car ferries, we are on the threshold of a new generation of SES (Figure 1) - which will be introduced solely because they are perceived, by hard-headed investors, as competitive commercial ventures. In this paper the history of SES development is summarized and a world-wide census of SES craft presented. Current fast-ferry and military initiatives are discussed. The SES concept is defined and characterized including a discussion of SES technologies. Predictions are made regarding future SES developments, followed by conclusions and recommendations.