SES Developments Worldwide, Lavis and Spaulding, 12 Mar 91 (0114)
It has been more than 30 years since the introduction of the SES. There are several hundred operating SESs 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 SESs has long been recognized. Today, with the emergence of five independent European initiatives for the development of 40 to 50 knot, 500 to 1200-ton, SES car ferries, we are on the threshold of a new generation of SES that 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 is 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.