This paper briefly introduces the concepts of statistical energy analy
sis (SEA) and then discusses the potential for using the approach in t
he design of offshore marine structures. Some inherent limitations in
the method as currently applied, mainly in the field of aerospace stru
ctures, are indicated and suggestions made as to areas where further r
esearch could be expected to overcome some of them. Of these, the prob
lem of dealing with fluid actions in an SEA framework is perhaps most
deserving of effort by the marine engineering community. A highly idea
lized example is used to illustrate some of these points.