An interactive approach for the design of an Italian fast medical support ship as consequence of world emergency due to Sars2-Covid 19

In spring 2020 we faced a completely new type of world crisis due to the spread, all around the world, of a pandemic disease due to a new type of coronavirus. Basically all the countries in the world are having to deal with the need to offer medical aid to the people with symptoms, and the particular type of medical treatments is causing serious problems to the hospitals, basically blocking also or slowing the capability to assist other pathologies or diseases or needs. In all those situations what is basically needed is the capability to fulfill the request of: a quick help, the transport of materials for med aids, the transport of mechanized tools for police missions and/or support to populations. A ship capable to move quickly to a port to increase local hospital capacity could be an important help. Countries like the USA already have a large experience in hospital ships or support ships, in Italy a solution has been arranged converting a ferry into a hospital ship to support less dangerous causes or other needs. Starting from these considerations the authors have investigated the possibility to realize a refitting of an existing unit to realize a ship capable to give a partial assistance in those situations. Key of the project is the interactivity between re-design and use of an existing ship to obtain a result in short time. Examining the main characteristics suitable for a ship with this aim, the authors made a critical examination of the state of the art of the ships for support and assistance, considering the various available solutions, and then made a study of the customization of a ship summarizing all those aspects, with an operational speed of above 35 knots if required, with an interactive approach at new design between naval architecture and medical/support aspects.