A study of ship generated wash in Southampton Water was undertaken in 1996 which distinguishes the wash generated between different types of vessels in defined areas with and without speed restrictions (ABP Research R495 1995).

Tugs, travelling at up to 12 knots in the unrestricted area, were observed to create the greatest wash (because of their high power and pull in relation to their length when free running). Jet and Ro-Ro ferries, cruise liners and container vessels were found to generate less wash despite some of them travelling at higher speeds.

Next section