We don't even remotely know the state of the ocean everywhere. Even in well traveled sea lanes there are gaps of several hours between weather satellite passes.
Fuel prices aren't that high right now. GEVs are slightly more fuel efficient that regular aircraft but not enough to overcome all the disadvantages.
There's no way you can mount enough armor to provide immunity against modern missiles while still leaving useful cargo capacity. Armor is too heavy.
So nearly zero potential.
Comments
We don't even remotely know the state of the ocean everywhere. Even in well traveled sea lanes there are gaps of several hours between weather satellite passes. Fuel prices aren't that high right now. GEVs are slightly more fuel efficient that regular aircraft but not enough to overcome all the disadvantages. There's no way you can mount enough armor to provide immunity against modern missiles while still leaving useful cargo capacity. Armor is too heavy. So nearly zero potential.