Channel Maintenance Planning in Estonia

Utso, M.; Zaitseva-Pärnaste, I., and Parnell, K.E., 2024. Channel maintenance planning in Estonia. In: Phillips, M.R.; Al-Naemi, S., and Duarte, C.M. (eds.), Coastlines under Global Change: Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2024 (Doha, Qatar). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 113, pp. 95-99. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. This paper addresses the critical issue of maintaining navigational channels in Estonia, where challenges due to insufficient depth necessitate frequent dredging. Given Estonia's reliance on maritime transport for connectivity and trade, ensuring safe navigation amid evolving environmental conditions is imperative. The study aims to comprehensively analyze maintenance practices for navigational channels, focusing on the critical Rukki channel between the mainland and the island of Hiiumaa. Historical data gaps hinder understanding, while fragmented management worsens the problem. The study employs various methods, to shed light on channel maintenance complexities and advocate for standardized guidelines and improved documentation. This study aims to clarify the processes of channel infill and dredging in the channel of Rukki and facilitate better planning of future works.