Back to the Future

We had numerous big fast cats operating cross-channel before the Chunnel opened. The SRN4s could not compete with the fast cats, economically, but, being fully expensed long before, they were operated in cannibal mode until the last carcass was stripped of necessary parts to keep even one operational. I was on the pad in Dover watching the last one still in service...on its last days,.

 

No. A surface effect ship uses powered air pressure lift.

 

Not necessarily. Here in Washington state, that has happened when the bridge saves time (i.e. the bridge literally overlays the ferry route), but not in cases where there is a bridge route, but the ferry is better time wise or has other lifestyle benefits. The WSF Seattle-Bremerton route, both auto and foot, is a prime example. It is almost identical time to ferry or drive on a perfect day, and the cost of driving is about 1/3 that of the ferry, but if there is an accident on I-5.... as well as relaxing or working instead of having to drive. And if you work downtown Seattle and live in Bremerton the cost of parking alone makes driving cost prohibitive. As Bruce McF implied, it is the total economic package, not just the cost per butt.

 

Here's another way

Hull air lubrication: future and challenges | SSPA https://www.sspa.se/ship-design-and-hydrodynamics/hull-air-lubrication-future-and-challenges

 

On a similar note: Foil drag can be reduced considerably by inducing ventilation.

You may not be pleased with some of the side-effects though