There has been an increase in interest in 'Fast Ship' concepts over the last year. Several concepts have been widely presented and the requirement for higher top speeds has been debated. However little detailed consideration has been given to the availability of the required enabling technologies. The UK MoD has now identified 'Fast Ship' as a priority area for investment recognising that the Future Surface Combatant and the "Maritime Afloat Reach and Sustainability" vessel are potential high-speed platforms. The power requirements of a ship capable of sustained speeds in excess of 35 kts are established and the consequent marine system challenges are discussed. It is concluded that in the short to medium term there is no alternative to gas turbine prime movers and waterjet propulsors. It is further identified that although direct drive mechanical is the self evident choice through considerations of power density and full power efficiency, there may be a case for a hybrid system to provide a loiter drive for a Fast Combatant, although such a system is unnecessary for a Fast Transport ship.
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