The effects of ship wakes in the Venice Lagoon and implications for the sustainability of shipping in coastal waters

Large vessels traversing the Venice Lagoon generate significant depression wakes, causing water level drops of up to 2.45 meters at channel margins and accelerating shoreline retreat. This study analyzes approximately 600 wake events using AIS data, revealing that ship-induced solitary waves can profoundly impact lagoon morphology. The research proposes a predictive model for wake amplitude based on ship characteristics, offering insights into the sustainability of coastal shipping. By linking ship motion parameters to environmental effects, the findings highlight the need for mitigating measures to protect vulnerable shallow water habitats in UNESCO-listed sites.

Scarpa, G. M., Zaggia, L., Manfè, G., Lorenzetti, G., Parnell, K., Soomere, T., Rapaglia, J., & Molinaroli, E. (2019). The effects of ship wakes in the Venice Lagoon and implications for the sustainability of shipping in coastal waters. Scientific Reports, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-55238-z