Environmental Effects of Fast Ferry Wake Waves
M
artin Single and Bob Kirk are involved with ongoing studies as to
the effects of wake waves from fast ferries travelling through Tory
Channel and Queen Charlotte Sound. This is a very public issue as these
vessels form part of the transport link between the North and South
Islands and have been considered an essential service. However the effects
of the wakes have been perceived by some as damaging to the environment
and as a danger to users of the area. Of particular interest are the
actual effects to the physical coastal environment, the sustainability
of the activity, and the possible consequences of slowing these ferries.
Martin is a member of the PIANC technical working group (WG41) which
has recently completed a publication on guidelines for management of
high speed craft.