The Use of Semi-Submerged Ships to Support New Technology at Sea

The purpose of this paper is to describe how a new type of Semi-Submerged Ship, called S³, can be used to enhance the effectiveness of new technological developments at sea. History has shown that new discoveries in nearly any field lead to the need for new support systems. Similarly, in work at sea, new technological advances in geophysical equipment, oil drilling equipment, mining, fishing, transportation, oceanographic instrumentation, diving, submersibles, underwater work systems, etc. lead to the increased need for more stable ships with greater deck areas, all-weather operations, greater speed, and reduced overall costs. The inherent characteristics of the S³can help provide these needed features. The S³is a proven technology, as demonstrated by the four years of highly successful range-support operations in the rough Hawaiian waters by the 217-ton SSP KAIMALINO. Thus, the time has arrived for making use of this new S³ship concept to support operations which employ new technology at sea more effectively and efficiently.