Coastal erosion is the result of a series of natural or induced processes that modify the morphology of shorelines, leading to a loss of surface area in both emerged and submerged land over a given period, relative to the average sea level.

In general, morphological changes are caused by the movement of sediments either longitudinally or transversely along the coast. These changes can be positive (accumulation, advancement) or negative (losses, retreat) compared to a previous shoreline position over a given time period.

Various anthropogenic factors, such as the intense urbanization of coastal areas (with the construction of ports, residential buildings, structures, and infrastructures), the depletion of river sediment supply due to massive material extraction from riverbeds and river regulation works, as well as poor planning and design of coastal defense structures, lead to the retreat of the coastline. This, in turn, compromises not only natural habitats but also the very infrastructures that contributed to the erosion (beach resorts, ports, industrial settlements).

To address this issue, Thetis Costruzioni has joined the SAND business network, consisting of a group of companies operating in the field of hydrogeological risk mitigation in coastal, port, and river environments. The company’s know-how and experience in multiple interventions enable the execution of coastal nourishment projects, dune reconstruction, renaturalization interventions in river mouths and lagoons, construction of coastal defense structures, and protection of ports and quays, always with a focus on minimizing impacts and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Starting in May 2019, over a total duration of approximately 10 months, an intervention was carried out to maintain the access channel to the port of Riccione Municipality. The material removed from the harbor entrance was placed on adjacent beaches, thus contributing to their nourishment.

To ensure safe navigation for vessels entering and exiting the Lido degli Estensi port channel, in June 2020, an operation was carried out to remove material obstructing the Logonovo Channel entrance.

The intervention was initially performed in the inner sections using a self-loading barge equipped with a small excavator arm.

Subsequently, a suction dredger was deployed alongside the barge to enhance the effectiveness of the operation.

The comparison between the bathymetric surveys conducted on June 10, 2020, and July 2, 2020, demonstrates the effectiveness of the intervention, leading to the reopening of the navigation channel.