The final paper deals with the definition of the catamaran, its history and development until today. Catamarans are a type of vessel consisting of two hulls connected by a bridge, and are used in various sectors, including marine passenger shipping. In Croatia, catamarans are increasingly present in the fleet of maritime carriers, especially in the coastal transport of passengers and tourists. Catamarans have developed throughout history, and the first examples date back to the Polynesian tradition. Today, catamarans are used in all parts of the world and play an important role in the global maritime industry. The main characteristic of catamarans is their double-hull construction, which enables them to be faster and more economical than traditional monohulls. However, to achieve maximum efficiency, factors such as resistance, stability and coated surface must be considered. Resistance occurs when the vessel moves through the water, and it can be hull, propulsion and surface resistance. Stability is an important factor in the construction and handling of catamarans, and can be increased by lowering the height of the center of gravity or widening the hull. When carrying passengers, stability is particularly important to ensure passenger comfort and minimize the risks of overturning the vessel.