national security aspects of this complex multinational area. Costs, benefits, 

 and feasibility data for several transportation alternatives have been included 

 in this study. 



2. The Department of Transportation continued work on the develop- 

 ment of a national navigation plan, which is considering present and future 

 needs of both aviation and maritime commerce, and the technology of navi- 

 gational satellites and ground-based electronics systems. The plan will identify 

 areas of Federal responsibility for services, the systems to be operated, and 

 the need for further research and development to meet future navigation 

 requirements. Completion of this study is anticipated during 1970. 



3. The Joint Surface Effect Ships Program, designed to determine the 

 feasibility of building and operating large, fast surface effect ships in the 

 4,000- to 5,000-ton range, capable of 80 knots or higher speed. Major 

 funding of this program will be assumed by Navy in fiscal year 1970; how- 

 ever, it will continue to be closely coordinated with the Maritime Adminis- 

 tration of the Department of Commerce. Competitive contracts have been 

 awarded for the detailed design, construction and test of two 100-ton test 

 craft with differences in technological approach to permit a parallel testing 

 and comparison program. 



4. Development of guidelines for design approval and safety inspection 

 of vessels and structures in the Arctic being carried out by the Coast Guard. 



The SS Galveston, operated by Sea-Land, Inc., is indicative of new developments in 

 ship and cargo handling design. Containerized van cargo is loaded as large modules, 

 permitting faster handling and more efficient space utilization. 



56 



