Using the Ground Effect for transportation?

The Russian Navy tested the concept during the cold war: the Ground Effect or more precisely the Wing in Ground effect in this case is a reduction in drag and lift requirements from a vehicle (an plane/speedboat hybrid here) when it’s flying at only a few yards from the ground/sea level, resulting in a more efficient use of energy.

This Focus 21 ship design could carry 15 passengers at most. We’re not sure about its commercial viability, or how it might work in bad weather…