Volga-Caspian shipping canal is the main waterway linking the port of Astrakhan with ports of the Caspian sea. Currently, the Caspian Sea fall and sediment transport make ship owners suffer from substantial financial losses. Critically small canal depth in combination with poor weather and hydrodynamic conditions complicate piloting and make vessels stop for a few days. One of the main conditions of operation of this sea transport route is the navigation safety in the context of the further fall of the Caspian sea.The main objective of this study is to evaluate the sediment transport in some areas of the canal. Numerical modeling of the sediment transport was performed for some of its areas to assess its sedimentation.At first, the numerical model of the climatic conditions of the Caspian sea was developed to evaluate sediment transport processes based on specific morphometric and hydrodynamic factors. Model calculations demonstrate that currents bring sediments into the canal. Also, the numerical simulation proves that a seawall may effectively reduce wind and wave actions. According to the results of the numerical simulation, recommendations are generated to reduce the sedimentation.The numerical model can be employed to project the sediment transport pattern and subsequent optimization of dredging works. Bioengineering technologies that may protect the sea canal from the sediment transport are considered.

Обсуждаются результаты численных расчетов заносимости морского судоходного канала. Рассмотрены вопросы использования биоинженерных технологий для защиты канала от заносимости.