St. Lawrence Seaway Vessel Wake Impact Assessment
As part of the risk assessment for the introduction of post-Panamax vessels on the St. Lawrence Seaway between Montréal and Québec City, Lasalle | NHC was retained by the St. Lawrence Pilotage Authority on behalf of the Port of Montréal, Transport Canada, and the Canadian Coast Guard, to assess the potential impact of waves generated by these vessels on shoreline erosion, as well as the potential impact of vessel wake waves on ice conditions.
St. Lawrence Pilotage Authority
Streams & Rivers
Québec
A high-resolution 2D numerical model was developed to compare the displacement/waves generated by the passage of post-Panamax vessels and Panamax vessels. Free surface displacement was simulated using a localized increase in atmospheric pressure corresponding to the vessel draft. Numerical modeling was performed over a full range of channel widths, water depths, and vessel speeds. The study found that the impact of post-Panamax vessels were mainly associated to the greater magnitude of displacement generated by a given vessel as well as the increase in traffic volume, while differences in wake waves was secondary between post-Panamax and Panamax vessels.
Provided state-of-the-art modelling for the safe introduction of larger vessels to the St. Lawrence Seaway by quantifying potential shoreline and environmental impacts, supporting informed decision-making by transportation and regulatory authorities.
