Point of Contact:
Jim Boyle
Office of Naval Research
Corporate Communications Office
Phone: 703-588-2167
Fax: 703-696-5940
E-mail: boylej@onr.navy.mil

Arlington , Va -- The Office of Naval Research (ONR) and American Marine Holdings, Inc., will hold a christening ceremony for the high-speed surface-effect catamaran, Sea Coaster, on Friday, October 1, 2004 , in Mobile , Ala.

Sea Coaster is a unique high-speed vessel that combines the features of a catamaran hull form with those of a surface effects ship. Pockets built into each hull of Sea Coaster can be filled with air by powerful blowers to lift the vessel in the water. This lift reduces drag against the hull, permitting the 102-foot Sea Coaster to travel at higher speeds. The vessel is able to navigate in very shallow water, which is why its hull form is being considered for use as a high-speed “beachable” connector for transit from logistics ships to shore. Sea Coaster’s already shallow draft of 6 feet is reduced by half when the blowers are operating and the ship is lifted.

After launching Sea Coaster, the Navy will test the vessel to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of this hull form for future naval applications and whether it could be scaled to build larger and higher speed seagoing vessels.

Sea Coaster was built by Austal USA , LLC, under a prime contract held by American Marine Holdings. The proprietary hull form was designed by Air Ride Craft, Inc.

* Media wishing to attend should contact Jim Boyle at (703) 588-2167.