Coastal Engineering

The coastline is a challenging and dynamic setting that requires a deep understanding of the physical environment and the potential impacts and mitigation measures appropriate to each location. Our team has over 50 years of experience working with private and public sector clients to deliver robust, resilient, and environmentally responsible projects.

Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and planners provide an integrated response to manage the complex interactions between natural processes, built environments, and climate change impacts. We combine global expertise, advanced modelling, and a deep understanding of coastal dynamics to deliver practical, economical, and optimised solutions across all aspects of coastal engineering.

Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management

We support public and private sector clients in reducing flood and erosion risks through long-term, evidence-based strategies and designs.

• National strategic studies
• Criteria studies and advanced surveys
• Coastal protection infrastructure design and implementation
• Coastal process modelling and analysis including hydrodynamics, wave transformation, sediment transport, coastal evolution, wave overtopping analyses, and harbour disturbance
• Inspecting coastal structure conditions, repair design and construction
• Coastal erosion prediction, monitoring, and design of coastal protection works
• Climate change impact assessment
• Economic appraisals and cost-benefit analyses

Environmental Assessment and Coastal Permitting

Our teams deliver comprehensive technical engineering and scientific services to secure permitting and manage environmental impacts.

• Environmental impact assessments for coastal infrastructure and projects
• Supporting permitting and consenting processes

Physical Modelling and Wave Overtopping Assessments

By combining our specialist experience in physical modelling using wave tanks and flumes with advanced in-house Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling techniques, our team provides a range of expert coastal engineering services.

• Wave overtopping assessments
• Performance testing and optimisation of coastal engineering designs, including breakwater and revetment structures
• Wave load and run-up assessments

Port and Harbour Optimisation – Spectral and Boussinesq Wave Modelling

Considering wave disturbance and agitation is critical to ensuring safe and efficient port and harbour operations, minimising downtime, and securing mooring conditions. Using Boussinesq wave modelling techniques, our team supports public and private sector clients in optimising port and harbour configurations.

• Berth locations
• Wave reflection and long period wave resonance
• New structures including breakwaters, quay extensions, floating pontoons, and rock armour revetments
• Dredging and navigation depths
• Wave climate assessment and downtime analyses

Initial Dilution and Dispersion Assessments

Dilution and subsequent nearfield and far-field dispersion of effluent discharges within the marine and coastal environment are key considerations during design and assessment. With extensive experience in industry-standard software, including CORMIX and MIKE, our team supports:

• Initial dilution assessments of single and multi-port diffusers
• Calibration and validation of model assessments
• Far field modelling in two and three dimensions, considering ambient buoyancy effects if applicable
• Optimising the configuration and location of port diffusers within the marine and coastal environment
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory Environmental Quality Standards (EQS)
• Supporting the environmental permitting process