DESIGN, TRIAL AND OPERATION OF MITSUI MIGHTYCAT 40

The paper describes the large 40 knot, 300 passenger high speed catamaran MightyCat, including hull form development, design, trials and operation. The basic hull form of MightyCat is a semi-planing symmetrical catamaran, and is characterized by the fixed transom wedges and tab control system, an optional bow fin may also be fitted. Excellent propulsive performance and seaworthiness as a high speed passenger catamaran have been confirmed. A series of trial tests for a series of five vessels showed: superior propulsive performance is obtained where the most suitable speed is attained by changing the running trim; excellent turning and stopping performance is obtained by the waterjet driven MightyCat vessels compared with propeller driven ships; and the motion characteristics are equivalent to CP30MK3 even without control. Also, rolling is decreased effectively by the automatic tab system.