Merchant Shipping and Transfer Craft Requirements in Support of Amphibious Operations.
Abstract
The use of merchant ships to supplement Navy ships in filling the lift requirement in trasporting the assault follow-on echelon of a Marine Amphibious Force during amphibious operations was analyzed. The analysis was based on detailed characteristics and loading/unloading operations of the merchant ships in both in-port and over-the-beach situations. It included consideration, in over-the-beam operations, of ship unloading platforms, transfer craft, and cargo handling devices ashore. Two computer models were used to simulate these operations. Results indicate that, although container ships are generally highly productive, the long lead times required before they are available and their complex unloading requirements decrease their productivity in over-the-beach operations. Breakbulk ships are less productive but are largely self-sustaining, except that they require transfer craft for unloading. RoRo ships and barge carriers are highly productive and generally can be made self-sufficient but are available in limited numbers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA038591
Entities
People
- Michael Gray