Abstract: A ship and associated methods of operation. In an example embodiment, a method of transporting includes providing multiple vessels each having a hull defining an air cavity over a water surface. Different ones of the vessels are loaded with material destined for different end locations. The vessels are connected to one another with rigid couplings to effect tandem movement of the multiple vessels over water as one ship while permitting each vessel to undergo changes in pitch. The vessels are transported to a first destination and one or more of the vessels are disconnected from the ship.

Abstract: A multiple unit surface effect vehicle movable through an aquatic environment is provided including connected units and lift fans. The multiple unit surface effect vehicle may further include a coupling system and/or a plurality of skirt portions connecting one of the connected units with another of the connected units. The multiple unit surface effect vehicle includes the connected units connected to form a continuous movable unit movable in an aquatic environment. Each connected unit includes a forced air containment chamber defined within each of the connected units. The forced air containment chambers of each of the connected units are connected to form a continuous pressurized air cushion. The lift fans force air into the forced air containment chamber to pressurize the continuous pressurized air cushion.

Abstract: A ship and associated methods of formation with vessels having connectable hulls. In an example embodiment, a method of operating a ship includes providing a plurality of vessels over water, each comprising at least two spaced-apart hull sections defining a cavity when the vessel is afloat. Each hull section on each vessel is configurable as a portion of a coupling mechanism with fore and aft portions of each hull section reduced in width relative to intermediate hull section portions. Pairs of hull section fore portions may be lapped with and connected to pairs of hull section aft portions on different vessels to form complete coupling mechanisms which connect vessels to one another. Accordingly, the plurality of vessels can form a single assembly and power can be transferred between vessels to move the vessels through water in a tandem arrangement.

Abstract: A ship and associated methods of operation. In an example embodiment, a method of operating a ship includes providing multiple vessels each having a first deck attached to two spaced-apart hull sections. The deck and hull sections define a cavity when the vessel is afloat. A plurality of like coupling mechanisms are provided, each suitable for joining two of the vessels. First and second vessels are joined along starboard and port sides of the deck of the second vessel with one of the coupling mechanisms. Joining is effected by attaching a first of the hull sections on the first vessel to the deck of the second vessel along the port side of the second vessel, and attaching a second of the hull sections on the first vessel to the deck of the second vessel along the starboard side of the second vessel. When coupled to one another the deck of the second vessel is positioned between the first and second hull sections of the first vessel.

Abstract: A multi segment articulated Surface Effect Ship. Flexible air seals are formed between hull modules with a gas cushion contained between the side hulls under the entire length of the ship. In one embodiment the cushion formed may act as one continuous gas cushion whereby air cushion pressure generated or flowing from a leading car, or modular segment, flows rearward to supply or augment the cushion pressure necessary to support the following modules at the required operational draft. Hull configurations adaptable to the multi-unit, articulated surface effect ship described in the invention include conventional and air cushion assisted catamaran, trimaran and quadramaran designs and configurations.

Abstract: A ship and associated methods of formation and operation. In an example embodiment, a ship comprises a vessel for attachment to a second vessel. The vessel may comprise a catamaran hull including first and second parallel sides extending from a fore portion of the vessel to an aft portion of the vessel and defining a cavity when the vessel is afloat and a deck may be formed above the hull. A first connection component may be positioned along the fore portion and a second connection component may be positioned along the aft portion, the second component being of a connectable design, such that when a like second component is formed on another vessel, the like second component can be joined with the first component to effect a connection between the two vessels. A seal may be provided along the first component, positioned to sustain air pressure within the cavity when the like second component formed on the other vessel is joined to the first component.