Fast Ferries are creating a new expanding marine transportation market through the innovative application of new technology. The world market for new Fast Ferries is growing rapidly, especially in the USA and Far East, with Australia the current market leader. The number of Fast Ferries has doubled in the last 5 years. In 1998 sixty-five vessels were delivered worldwide, with a value of one billion Euro. The market drivers are the economic benefits of higher speeds and load capacity, which require low weight, but at minimum cost. This places a conflicting design requirement on improved passenger comfort Noise and Vibration (N&V) levels, which traditionally increase weight and cost. Passenger comfort N&V levels are a key market discriminator and new passenger comfort class requirements are being developed by classification societies such as OTH7 and Lloyds. To achieve the objectives of Competitive and Sustainable Growth, the European shipbuilding industry needs to invest in this new and expanding market. Project NORMA will develop the technology and tools to reduce the risks of developing the new designs required by the future market.