ABSTRACT
Several maritime routes that operate with fast ferries can be found around the world. These maritime routes are usually regular routes established between island communities, coastal zones and inland waterways. The maritime transport on these routes has to be efficient to fulfil the modern requirements of this industry. The design of fast ferries plays an important role in the effectiveness and efficiency of this mode of transport. Ship design has to meet several requirements: fast ships need to be competitive with land-based transport schedules or even be able to reduce the journey times. The ships have to be efficient and eco-friendly, using sustainable propulsion systems and hydrodynamically optimized hulls. Likewise, the ships dynamic behavior is also important – passengers have to feel comfortable onboard during the journey. In this paper ship dynamic damping is commented upon along with some remarks about the methods and bibliography available to meet the requirements of modern fast ferry design.
