Success Factors in Commercialization of Wing-in-Ground Crafts as Means of Maritime Transport: A Case Study

The wing-in-ground (WIG) effect occurs when air pressure is created beneath a craft moving close to the ground. The pressure created adds upwards lift, resulting in less need for propulsion for moving forward. Over the years, several companies in various countries have developed wing-in-ground craft...

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Main Authors: Kristin Kerem, Kristīne Carjova, Ulla Pirita Tapaninen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Future Transportation
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7590/5/1/13
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author Kristin Kerem
Kristīne Carjova
Ulla Pirita Tapaninen
author_facet Kristin Kerem
Kristīne Carjova
Ulla Pirita Tapaninen
author_sort Kristin Kerem
collection DOAJ
description The wing-in-ground (WIG) effect occurs when air pressure is created beneath a craft moving close to the ground. The pressure created adds upwards lift, resulting in less need for propulsion for moving forward. Over the years, several companies in various countries have developed wing-in-ground crafts—marine vessels, looking like airplane, that operate using the ground effect. However, no commercial routes are currently in operation using such crafts. This article seeks to identify the critical factors that contribute to the successful commercialization of WIG crafts. The study is composed of a literature review, a company comparison and an analysis of one case study close to successful commercialization. The study indicates that the following actions are critical for the commercial success of a company engaged in WIG operations: engaging community, enhancing R&D, establishing a robust technological system and focusing on safety and compliance. It is also noted that technological readiness itself does not guarantee the successful implementation of WIG crafts on commercial routes.
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series Future Transportation
spelling doaj-art-faa9f2d6abd24ed1be7460d76b1e5d172025-08-20T02:42:32ZengMDPI AGFuture Transportation2673-75902025-02-01511310.3390/futuretransp5010013Success Factors in Commercialization of Wing-in-Ground Crafts as Means of Maritime Transport: A Case StudyKristin Kerem0Kristīne Carjova1Ulla Pirita Tapaninen2Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, EstoniaEstonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, EstoniaEstonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, EstoniaThe wing-in-ground (WIG) effect occurs when air pressure is created beneath a craft moving close to the ground. The pressure created adds upwards lift, resulting in less need for propulsion for moving forward. Over the years, several companies in various countries have developed wing-in-ground crafts—marine vessels, looking like airplane, that operate using the ground effect. However, no commercial routes are currently in operation using such crafts. This article seeks to identify the critical factors that contribute to the successful commercialization of WIG crafts. The study is composed of a literature review, a company comparison and an analysis of one case study close to successful commercialization. The study indicates that the following actions are critical for the commercial success of a company engaged in WIG operations: engaging community, enhancing R&D, establishing a robust technological system and focusing on safety and compliance. It is also noted that technological readiness itself does not guarantee the successful implementation of WIG crafts on commercial routes.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7590/5/1/13WIGwing-in-groundground effectmaritime transport
spellingShingle Kristin Kerem
Kristīne Carjova
Ulla Pirita Tapaninen
Success Factors in Commercialization of Wing-in-Ground Crafts as Means of Maritime Transport: A Case Study
Future Transportation
WIG
wing-in-ground
ground effect
maritime transport
title Success Factors in Commercialization of Wing-in-Ground Crafts as Means of Maritime Transport: A Case Study
title_full Success Factors in Commercialization of Wing-in-Ground Crafts as Means of Maritime Transport: A Case Study
title_fullStr Success Factors in Commercialization of Wing-in-Ground Crafts as Means of Maritime Transport: A Case Study
title_full_unstemmed Success Factors in Commercialization of Wing-in-Ground Crafts as Means of Maritime Transport: A Case Study
title_short Success Factors in Commercialization of Wing-in-Ground Crafts as Means of Maritime Transport: A Case Study
title_sort success factors in commercialization of wing in ground crafts as means of maritime transport a case study
topic WIG
wing-in-ground
ground effect
maritime transport
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7590/5/1/13
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