Transport and Trade 



Research and development on experimental advanced craft has led to the 

 development and testing of both hydrofoils and surface effects ships (SES) . 

 The experience over the last 15 years indicates a limited range of missions, 

 such as fast patrol boats, for which hydrofoils are suitable. Hydrofoils and 

 SES craft are being used in some situations in regular commercial service 

 in Europe, but economically feasible applications of either of these advanced 

 vehicles have not yet been clearly identified and demonstrated in the United 

 States on any substantial scale. 



Studies of shipboard operations at sea have focused on ship control, ship 

 maintenance, and ship propulsion. The ship control study considers various 

 engineering and human factors in all ship movements. The possibility of 

 manpower reductions — from the standpoint of operating effectiveness — of 

 the order of 50 percent has been demonstrated, based on the technical 

 feasibility of automated aids to engine room controls. Cost reduction in ship 

 maintenance is being approached through improved and simplified designs 

 of components. Reductions in fuel costs are being sought through improve- 

 ments in hull forms (such as the bulbous bow) , propeller designs, and power 

 plant efficiency. Other technical developments include computer programs 

 to introduce detailed consideration of ship motions into feasibility studies 

 and preliminary designs, leading to construction of ships that can sustain 

 higher speeds in rough seas; and a control-and-design manual to permit 

 better consideration of ship maneuverability in design, a factor which is 

 increasingly important as merchant ships grow larger. 



The N. S. Savannah has demonstrated the technical feasibility of nu- 

 clear powered merchant vessels, including operating reliability, over-all oper- 

 ational capability, and versatility. The Savannah continues in operation, 

 by charter to a commercial ojjerator, demonstrating operating characteristics 

 in scheduled commercial service. The Maritime Administration has under- 

 taken additional studies of high-speed, nuclear-powered merchant ships, 

 taking into account future nuclear core developments, potential cost of 

 nuclear refueling, and characteristics of particular applications — such as a 

 long distance service by a high-speed containership. 



Oil Pollution Control 



The transport of large quantities of oil by ship has long posed substantial 

 potential dangers. Legislation on oil pollution has existed in the United 

 States for several years, and the problem has been under careful technical 

 surveillance by the Federal Government. Widespread recognition of the 

 severity of damage that could result from oil spills came only after the tanker 

 ToRREY Canyon went aground off the United Kingdom in March, 1967. The 



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