Raytheon/SSSCO Oceanographic SWATH Ship Design

This paper describes a concept for an Oceanographic ship combining the innovative Small Waterplane-Area Twin Hull (SWATH) with state-of-the-art Oceanographic Instrumentation to provide a stable platform for comfortable and detailed at-sea research. The Semi-Submerged ship Corporation (SSSCO), designers of SWATH Ships, and the Raytheon Service Company (RSC), designers of Oceanographic Ship Systems, have developed a concept for an effective and useable Oceanographic Ship for the 80's and 90's, using proven technology. Contemporary trawler-type monohull oceanographic ships, because of limited laboratory, deck and storage space, reduce actual on-site activity time. The SWATH Oceanographic Ship provides highly arrangeable space, increased on-site time and improved personnel comfort and efficiency. Designers are encouraged to consider this new concept in Oceanographic Research.