Our coastal engineers and geomorphologists work together to assess coastal erosion and submersion risks. Using available data, land and marine surveys, state-of- the-art modelling tools, aerial pictures, historical site information, environmental habitats, and social use characterization, we are able to harness a thorough understanding of the coastal processes at play and the associated coastal risks. Our shore protection work includes rock revetment, beach and dune nourishment, detached breakwaters, groins, cliff stabilization, and bulkheads, as well as adaptation and retreat strategy development.
We employ the “Living Shoreline” approach when developing our projects. Consequently, we promote open channels of communication with local environmental and social specialists when developing our concepts, in order to maximize community support and ecosystem integration.
We believe that a crucial component in the successful design and operation of port and coastal environments is the characterization of the marine environment’s effect on structures and operations. We produce simulations of coastal environments in order to understand the coastal processes specific to a project, or to test the effect of any change in the physical environment on its natural features or on any built assets.
Our modelling capabilities allow us to generate offshore wave climates that simulate the real environment to propagate and transform them to the nearshore study site. Once near the site, we can study wave penetration and agitation, wave loading on structures, and all other hydrodynamic parameters involved in the design of robust maritime structures. We can also identify the rates of overtopping on structures of all types due to waves, inform the design of wave defence structures such as breakwaters, and allow for the assessment of overland flooding from coastal sources. This detailed understanding allows us to advise clients in relation to beach morphology, dredging assessments, impacts of new development, climate change mitigation, management, and planning.
We also develop bespoke numerical modelling tools to compile data and produce graphs, tables and maps that help the client to make an informed decision:
- Bathymetry
- Topography
- Hydrology
- MetOcean
- Sediment Dynamics and Current Measurements
Our Vision: Provide Industry-Leading Expertise & Innovation
WSP’s Coastal Engineering Team has developed a comprehensive knowledge and experience in coastal hydraulics and engineering services, ranging from hydrographic survey and hydrodynamic characterization of tidal systems to detailed design of coastal structures. Our engineers have developed a solid expertise in the planning, analysis, design and construction of coastal engineering works of all types including:
- Revetments, breakwaters, groynes and sea defenses for small craft harbours, marinas and shore protection works;
- Integrated coastal and civil infrastructures to support waterfront development and natural systems;
- Green shores, living breakwaters, artificial reefs, dune restoration and beach nourishment programs in sensitive ecosystems such as coastal wetlands and flood plains;
- Dredging, reclamation and navigation plans as part of port development projects.
WSP’s coastal and marine engineering expertise is now linked through various offices around the world which allows the development of a centre of expertise in all technical aspects surrounding the development of a coastal engineering project
Where the Ocean Meets Land
Our team has globally recognized expertise in coastal processes and engineering, ranging from the modelling and analysis of coastal processes and the effect of human intervention on these processes, to the detailed design of coastal structures and beach restoration projects. We use state-of- the-art scientific instrumentation to measure bathymetry, currents, waves, water-levels, and sediment transport. These measurements are employed in the validation of specialized software used to numerically model processes such as waves, currents, and sediment transport, as well as the evolution of beach and seabed morphology. Accurate characterization of marine environmental conditions and processes with such tools is key to the successful design of coastal infrastructure.
Using collected and simulated weather, current, and wave information, we carry out assessments of downtime to offshore, coastal, and inshore installations and facilities, including docks and wind turbines, in order to maximize the available working time at a facility, improve productivity and reduce risk.
Experience and Expertise
WSP’s teams provide services for all project phases. From feasibility studies and approvals through full detailed engineering to contract administration and site supervision.
- Our Services
- Hydrometry and bathymetry
- Major Studies
- Design
- Construction
Our Expertise
MARINAS AND HARBOURS
- Design and repair of breakwaters
- Sedimentation and dredging studies
- Navigation guidelines application and channel layouts
- Berths and mooring
- Wind analyses and wave hindcasting
EROSION AND SHORELINE PROTECTION WORKS
- Coastal vulnerability and impact of climate change
- Waterfront development
- Wave action and marine submersion
- Erosion hazard delineation and mitigation
- Monitoring and maintenance programs
COASTAL MODELLING
- Metocean data acquisition (wave, current, salinity, turbidity, sediment, ice)
- Wave propagation & impacts on structures
- Harbour agitation
- Outfall dilution and dispersion (water quality)
- Short and long-term shoreline evolution
- Ocean circulation and sediment transport
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT AND FLOOD PROTECTION
- Coastal zone integrated management plans
- Coastal erosion and flood risk assessment
- Risks pertaining to coastal erosion and submergence
- Coastal resilience programs
- Short and long-term geomorphological mapping
