Maritime transport is the backbone of international trade and therefore vital to the global economy. Today, 70% of all goods are carried by sea and transit through ports before being transferred to another mode of transportation.
The dominance of global water borne trade, combined with the growth in the cruise and ferry industry, and with increased investment in commercial waterside and energy developments, demonstrate why the modern-day maritime sector is an important driver of local and global economic growth. Challenges are great, with more traffic, bigger ships, and increased integration of transport modes, all happening in a time of climate change and new regulations.
WSP maritime specialists are dedicated to the planning, design, and construction of port facilities, marine infrastructure, and coastal facilities. We deliver innovative, value-engineered outcomes that have benefited from decades of experience, and a thorough understanding of the challenges and risks that confront this multifaceted sector. We are committed to incorporating environmental characterizations and sustainability principles into every phase of our projects.
Global Maritime Expertise
With over 300 projects in more than 65 countries successfully completed, WSP provides maritime consultancy services from offices across our global network to its different clients, including port authorities, terminal operating companies, governments, shipping lines, logistics operators, and the wider financial community.
By combining technical, financial, and operational expertise we assist with the commercial decision-making process while minimizing investment risk through the application of in-depth sector expertise. For the Panama Canal Expansion, we worked closely with the Canal Authority to develop five models – capability, operation costs, market demand, hydrologic, and financial – in order to maximize the economic value of the Canal. The 100-year-old canal can now accommodate New Panamax vessels, which can transport tens of thousands of containers stacked as tall as a 15-story building.
Container port operators need to adjust to this new reality. To keep up with growth, they need larger cranes, stronger wharves, higher clearances, and deeper channels. The ultimate objective is to decrease handling time, increase productivity, and establish more reliable intermodal logistics.
Delivering Challenging Maritime Projects
WSP engineers love challenges and we are thrilled to work on projects that stand out, like Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest manmade island. We assisted the client in creating an environmentally friendly development, tackling issues during the detailed design construction phase, including the recycling of all sewerage waste, and the desalination of drinking water from seawater (reverse osmosis process). The Palm has increased Dubai’s shoreline by 120 kilometers, creating numerous residential, leisure, and entertainment areas.
In Montreal, Canada, we used 3D design and computer modelling to restore the Alexandra Wharf, an important passenger terminal that was built at the end of the 1800s. The project was a must for the city’s growing cruise industry, which is expected to double in the next 10 years.
Across the world, WSP delivers innovative, value-engineered outcomes that have benefited from decades of experience, and a thorough understanding of the challenges and risks that confront this multifaceted sector. We are committed to incorporating environmental characterizations and sustainability principles into every phase of our projects. Our task is to help our clients achieve their objectives.
Port Facilities
Ports are busy, dynamic transportation centers that constantly require technical enhancements to meet the needs of critical global movement of goods. Over 2.3 billion tonnes of cargo are handled annually In the United States and Canada. Via North American ports, import and export of goods is possible to major trade centres in all corners of the world.
To address economic demands, a full range of advisory planning, design and construction management services is vital. From the port complex to landside access to surrounding transportation infrastructure, the WSP team of experts help you address a myriad of challenges in marine transportation. Whether your challenge is about port development to increase capacity or simply to stay up-to-date in order to ensure the continued flow of goods, our comprehensive approach considers all aspects of your business including its impact to the environment and human geography.
A comprehensive suite of strategic consulting in recommending project development and phasing is offered, in addition to design and construction management services through to facility operations and maintenance. The best interest of our clients is indeed at the core of our business.
Our areas of expertise in Port and Coastal Engineering include:
- Port and harbour planning
- Wharves and mooring facilities
- Heavy industrial handling of bulk, cargo and container equipment
- Coastal engineering, waterways and hydrodynamic modeling
- Rail and road transportation
- Building and civil engineering
- Electrical engineering (low to high voltage) and telecommunication systems
- Project and construction management
- Environmental studies, permitting and monitoring
- Geotechnical and foundation studies, material testing and quality control
- Bathymetric and topographic surveying and underwater inspection
Our multidisciplinary team also provides clients with guidance on environmental impacts and the development of mitigation measures.
