News Summary

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun a study to assess vessel-generated waves at Tybee Island’s North Beach. This initiative, aimed at ensuring beach safety and evaluating environmental impacts, involves monitoring wave height and water pressure. Collaborating with the Engineer Research and Development Center, the study addresses concerns over safety with the increasing traffic of larger vessels following Savannah Harbor’s expansion. The findings are expected to inform future strategies for managing wave impacts on the beach.

Tybee Island

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Savannah District has initiated a study to evaluate vessel-generated waves at Tybee Island’s North Beach, focusing on beach safety and environmental impacts.

Study Details:
– Launched in collaboration with the Engineer Research and Development Center.
– Test instruments installed on March 21, 2025, will measure wave height, water pressure, and flow velocity.

Objectives:
– Assess the relationship between vessel operations and environmental conditions.
– Ensure the safety of beachgoers against potential hazardous wakes from larger vessels.

Background:
– Larger Neo Panamax vessels have increased traffic through the Savannah Harbor navigation channel due to a 2022 expansion.
– Prior concerns from Tybee City officials and beachgoers regarding the danger posed by these wakes prompted the study.

Previous Research:
– A 2021 study highlighted a major knowledge gap on the impact of vessel wakes, using data from 1,386 cargo and 202 tanker passages.
– It found that not all ships produce large wakes, requiring further inquiry into the factors involved.

Future Directions:
– The current study aims to enhance understanding from previous research and develop a comprehensive database for evaluating wave mitigation methods.
– Data collection will also involve automatic photography of the ship channel and beach to supplement wave measurements.

Proposed Solutions:
– Recommendations from earlier studies included measures such as reducing ship speeds, refurbishing jetties, and installing nearshore breakwaters.

Wave Energy Contribution:
– The 2021 research indicated that wind waves contribute about 97% of total wave energy at North Beach, suggesting vessel-generated waves have a relatively small impact on beach erosion.

Funding and Collaboration:
– The study is funded through USACE’s Monitoring Completed Navigation Projects Program in partnership with the City of Tybee Island.
– City officials are also enhancing safety with additional signage and lifeguard patrols.

Next Steps:
– Tybee City Manager Shawn Gillen reported that analysis continues to assess the feasibility and costs of potential structural solutions for wave management.

The Savannah River navigation channel, located less than 0.6 miles north of Tybee Island, remains a vital area for study as data will inform future modeling efforts for wave reduction strategies.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Savannah Business Journal: Corps of Engineers Revisit Tybee Island
• Wikipedia: General Search
• WSAV News: Dangerous Waves on Tybee Island
• Google Search: Tybee Island vessel waves
• Savannah Now: Tybee Island Ship Wake Study
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tybee Island
• Fox 28 Savannah: Tybee Island Beaches Wake Research
• Google News: Tybee Island ship wake