Coastal Engineering

Shoreline Stabilization and Erosion Control

Erosion is one of the most persistent threats to coastal developments. Our coastal engineers design and implement stabilization systems tailored to each site’s unique conditions. Solutions may include seawalls, revetments, riprap, living shorelines, dune restoration, and vegetated berms. We select materials and methods based on environmental sensitivity, wave climate, regulatory requirements, and aesthetic goals.

In many cases, soft engineering approaches—such as living shorelines—are preferable for balancing protection with ecosystem health. Our team has the expertise to design hybrid systems that offer structural resilience while promoting habitat and natural shoreline processes.

Marina and Waterfront Structures

Coastal Systems designs marinas, boat ramps, piers, docks, floating platforms, and shoreline access features that are safe, durable, and efficient. We address every aspect of waterfront structure design, from layout optimization and structural engineering to permitting and environmental mitigation. Our designs factor in wave loading, tidal fluctuations, vessel traffic, and user accessibility to deliver waterfront infrastructure that works for operators and visitors alike.

We also design shoreline enhancements like boardwalks, bulkheads, fishing piers, and waterfront promenades that improve public access while protecting the coastal edge from erosion and storm impacts.

Wave and Hydrodynamic Analysis

Understanding how water moves—and how structures interact with it—is critical for successful coastal engineering. Our team uses advanced modeling tools to analyze wave action, currents, tides, and storm surge impacts. This data informs the design of breakwaters, inlet structures, sediment management systems, and other critical infrastructure. By modeling multiple scenarios, we ensure that our solutions are robust, efficient, and future-proof against climate variability and sea-level rise.

Beach Restoration and Nourishment

Healthy beaches are vital for tourism, recreation, and coastal protection. We design and manage beach nourishment projects that rebuild and sustain sandy shorelines. Our services include sediment sourcing analysis, hydraulic modeling, permitting assistance, and construction oversight. We work to balance aesthetic goals, environmental stewardship, and cost-effectiveness—ensuring projects are sustainable over the long term.

In conjunction with beach work, we often design dune restoration and vegetative stabilization programs that further protect and beautify the shoreline.

Permitting and Regulatory Compliance

Coastal development is heavily regulated, and Coastal Systems brings deep experience navigating permitting at the local, state, and federal levels. We prepare detailed permit applications, impact analyses, mitigation plans, and compliance reports to support construction and long-term maintenance. Our knowledge of coastal regulations helps reduce delays and ensures that projects meet environmental and engineering standards from day one.