The wave-wake system generated by a high-speed ferry is a major problem for many of the world's routes. This applies particularly when the ferry is required to operate in a confined situation, such as in a river or near the shore of a major port. Indeed, in recent years, legal disputes have arisen as a result of the allegations of damage caused by the wave systems created by these ferries. As a result, naval architects are now becoming more aware of the need to incorporate low-wave-wake characteristics in their ferries at the design stage, rather than after problems occur during operation of the new vessel. In the current work, it is not only the wave pattern itself that is considered. In addition, the divergent wave system is the subject of the analysis. Thus, the intention is to seek hull concepts that focus the wave energy behind the vessel rather than to its sides. That is, the purpose is to minimize the energy in the divergent wave system, where the potential to cause harm is greater. In this theoretical and experimental investigation, it is shown that monohulls, catamarans, trimarans, and tetramarans possess quite different characteristics in this regard. It is further demonstrated how the length of the vessel plays a major role, in order to provide guidance for designers wishing to create low-wash ships. It is also proven that vessels possessing a greater number of subhulls generate both a smaller overall wave system and a smaller divergent wave system. It is remarkable that this relative improvement is almost identical for the two wave systems. Thus, the aim of producing a certain degree of focussing per se was not achieved. On the other hand, it has been amply demonstrated here, that the multihulls and the tetramaran, in particular, are advantageous in reducing the magnitude of the generated wave system.
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