Development of the SWATH Ship Concept for Research Ship Design

Characteristics of the Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) ship configuration are examined in respect to requirements for oceanographic research, hydrographic surveys, and seismic exploration. SWATH ship motion characteristics are such that a displacement of as little as 1,500 tons can be adequate to permit unrestricted ocean operations with added comfort to personnel, increased safety, and better equipment handling features than can be provided by comparable monohulls. The dominant advantage of the SWATH ship over monohulls is greatly reduced motions and proper design will make these motions nearly independent of wave direction relative to ship heading. A comparison of principal particulars shows that the cost of SWATH ships can be competitive with monohulls for research, survey, and seismic applications.