In November 2008 the US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) contracted with Alabama-based shipbuilder Austal USA for the detailed design and build of the first of a planned class of 10 Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) craft that promise to transform the way in which seaborne intra-theatre logistics missions are performed in the US military from 2011 onwards.rnAn aluminium catamaran powered by four high-speed marine diesels, the JHSV's designrnowes much to the commercial fast ferries that have profitably established themselves on numerous sea crossings worldwide over the pastrn20 years. Indeed, its design and gestation are based on many attributes seized upon by commercial operators some time ago: high speeds and passenger comfort; rapid entry and exit from port (enabled by a manoeuvring capability within harbour); quick offload and reload of cargo and passengers once in port; shallow draught, allowing access to ports with shallow water or tidal restrictions; and reduced operating costs (resulting from fuel economy and increased asset utilisation).
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