Harbour City without a Port

As a capital of Hiiumaa, the biggest Estonian county, and the most secure Estonian city during the last years and in addition being located on an island in the Baltic, the city of Kärdla does not have own cargo or passenger harbour.

The quickest way to go from Tallinn to Kärdla is by plane, which takes only 40 minutes. The most important and frequently used connection to Hiiumaa is the ferry line. Unfortunately the ferry does not come directly to Kärdla. At the same time the location of Kärdla makes it a best place for a harbour, where tourists can have best access to different services. Hiiumaa is more known and the amount of tourists increases every year, also including sea tourists. Kärdla City authorities would like to restore the harbour and make it to fulfil all requirements for guest.

Restoration of the harbour needs some preparation work where many researches and projects are necessary. It is necessary to have an overview of the depths of harbour aquatic area, about water consistency and land consistency in harbour territory, market needs and offers and overview of the project profitability, environmental influences and possible preventing factors by the renovation. Also one needs to know the amount of necessary works for dredging the aquatic area. Preparation on safe traffic in harbour aquatic area and preliminary and building projects for water building works should be done. After finishing those actions is it possible to start the renovation of Kärdla harbour.

Renovation of harbour helps to ensure faster social and regionally balanced economic development and to use area's strategically good position from the viewpoint of tourism development.

Kärdla City government is interested in participating in other similar projects, which include maritime safety, harbour networks etc. and in establishing cooperation with other cities in order to prepare a common project and to build up network in those areas.