Analysis and evaluation of high speed ferries for use as logistic support vessels in support of joint logistics over-the-shore

• Main Authors: March, David A., Higgins, Sean P.
• Other Authors: Lewis, Ira A.
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/6056

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited === Recent developments in High Speed Ferry (HSF) technologies, and the successful use of the HMAS Jervis Bay as a Logistic Support Vessel (LSV) by the Royal Australian Navy, introduced the potential for HSFs to serve as LSVs in support of Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS). This thesis analyzes the opportunities available to the Department of Defense (DoD) to utilize HSFs as LSVs in support of JLOTS. In conducting the analysis, this thesis considers the observations and lessons learned from the Australian use of the HMAS Jervis Bay, previous testing of an Incat 91-meter HSF by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, the initiatives of the current Joint Venture (HSV-X1) lease, current JLOTS doctrine, and the principles of Joint Vision 2010 and 2020. Our research concludes that HSFs posses certain advantages over current LSVs in the areas of speed, range, and payload. It is these advantages that give the HSFs the ability to perform both modern day and future JLOTS operations with greater flexibility than current LSVs. We suggest that by using HSFs as LSVs during JLOTS operations, DoD could employ a technically advanced and highly capable platform that could augment or replace current LSVs.