Strategic development trends in hydrological forecasting to ensure navigation safety and efficiency in Russia until 2035

Abstract

Reliable hydrological forecasting is critical for ensuring the safety of navigation and the efficiency of water transport in conditions of increasing frequency and intensity of hazardous hydrological phenomena. This article analyzes the current state of the Roshydromet hydrological forecasting system from the perspective of shipping objectives. Key challenges limiting its potential were identified: technological lag, a lack of real-time data, and insufficient forecast detail for port waters and inland waterways. Based on the system approach, strategic development trends until 2035 were formulated, including digitalization, the implementation of ensemble and probabilistic methods, the development of an observation network, and specialized services for the transport industry. Target indicators were proposed, such as increasing the accuracy of storm warnings and ice forecasts to 98%, as well as the creation of integrated decision support systems for captains and pilots. The strategy implementation will significantly improve navigation safety, optimize logistics, and minimize economic risks for maritime and river transport.

Keywords: hydrological forecasting, navigation safety, water transport, development strategy, ensemble forecasts, Roshydromet, hazardous hydrological phenomena

References

1. Презентации докладов, представленных на 8 всероссийском объединенном метеорологическом и гидрологическом съезде (октябрь 2024 г., Санкт-Петербург). [Электронный ресурс]. – Режим доступа: https://фумо05.рф/o371-Meteorological_Hydrological_Congress.htm (дата обращения: 04.11.2025).
2. Волкова, Н. А. Комплексный подход к снижению аварийности на внутренних водных путях арктического региона России / Н. А. Волкова // Известия Петербургского университета путей сообщения. – 2025. – Т. 22, № 3. – С. 761-775. – DOI 10.20295/1815-588X-2025-3-761-775.
3. Волкова, Н. А. Методика долгосрочного прогнозирования максимальных уровней воды на примере реки Пур / Н. А. Волкова, М. Н. Волков, К. В. Ромашова // Вестник Удмуртского университета. Серия Биология. Науки о Земле. – 2025. – Т. 35, № 3. – С. 375-387. – DOI 10.35634/2412-9518-2025-35-3-375-387. – EDN FJXCDS.
4. Симонов, Ю. А. Оперативная гидрология в деятельности Всемирной метеорологической организации / Ю. А. Симонов // Гидрометеорологические исследования и прогнозы. – 2025. – № 2(396). – С. 121-140. – DOI 10.37162/2618-9631-2025-2-121-140. – EDN RDCSRC.
5. ВМО-№ 485. Наставление по Комплексной системе обработки и прогнозирования ВМО. Дополнение IV к Техническому регламенту ВМО. Всемирная метеорологическая организация, 2023. 185 с.
6. ВМО-№ 1273. Атлас смертности и экономических потерь в результате экстремальных метеорологических, климатических и гидрологических явлений (1970-2019 гг.). Всемирная метеорологическая организация, 2021. 90 с.
7. ВМО-№ 1319. Перспективное видение, Стратегия и соответствующий План действий в области гидрологии и Стратегия гидрологических исследований ВМО. Всемирная метеорологическая организация, 2023. 67 с.
8. ВМО-№ 1381. В центре внимания инициатива «Заблаговременные предупреждения для всех»: мониторинг и прогнозирование опасных явлений. Всемирная метеорологическая организация, 2025. 91 с.
9. Dasgupta A. et al. Connecting hydrological modelling and forecasting from global to local scales: Perspectives from an international joint virtual workshop //Journal of Flood Risk Management. – 2025. – Т. 18. – №. 1. – С. e12880.
10. Jahangir M. S., Quilty J. Hierarchical deep learning for consistent multi‐timescale hydrological forecasting //Water Resources Research. – 2025. – Т. 61. – №. 7. – С. e2024WR038105.
11. Li F. et al. Reanalysis and forecasting of total water storage and hydrological states by combining machine learning with CLM model simulations and GRACE data assimilation //Water Resources Research. – 2025. – Т. 61. – №. 2. – С. e2024WR037926.
12. Ougahi J. H., Rowan J. S. Enhanced streamflow forecasting using hybrid modelling integrating glacio-hydrological outputs, deep learning and wavelet transformation //Scientific Reports. – 2025. – Т. 15. – №. 1. – С. 2762.
13. Pechlivanidis I. G. et al. Enhancing research-to-operations in hydrological forecasting: innovations across scales and horizons //Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. – 2025. – Т. 106. – №. 5. – С. E894-E919.
14. Solanki H. et al. Improving streamflow prediction using multiple hydrological models and machine learning methods //Water Resources Research. – 2025. – Т. 61. – №. 1. – С. e2024WR038192.
15. Zhang J., Li W., Duan Q. Quantifying the contributions of hydrological pre-processor, post-processor, and data assimilator to ensemble streamflow prediction skill //Journal of Hydrology. – 2025. – Т. 651. – С. 132611.

Author Biography

Nadezhda A. Volkova , Russian State Hydrometeorological University, St. Petersburg, Russia, Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia

PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Water Engineering Surveys, Russian State Hydrometeorological University (RSHU), 79 Voronezhskaya Street, St. Petersburg, 192007, Russia; Senior Researcher, Department of River Estuary Hydrology and Water Resources, Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute

Published
23-03-2026
How to Cite
Volkova, N. A. (2026). Strategic development trends in hydrological forecasting to ensure navigation safety and efficiency in Russia until 2035. Russian Journal of Water Transport, (86), 185-200. https://doi.org/10.37890/jwt.vi86.671
Section
Water transport operation, waterways, communications and hydrography