Citation

Bloch AJ. Transp. Res. Rec. 1981; 824: 27-32.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The state of the art of ferry-vessel technology, including conventional slow-speed ships and high-speed ships, is discussed. The latter models, although used regularly in Europe and Canada, have had limited operating experience in the United States. Important vessel features are highlighted, including passenger and vehicle capacity, engine and propulsion systems, hull design, speed and steering control, docking procedures, and passenger amenities. Conventional low-speed diesel-powered vessels consume less energy than their high-speed gasoline turbine counterparts. On the other hand, high-speed vessels offer service-quality capabilities that are highly competitive with automobile commutation. However, there has been little opportunity to demonstrate the advantages of high-speed vessels, mainly because of legislative restrictions.