Coastal Engineering

When major flood defence schemes and reservoir proposals are put forward, a breach analysis is required to provide a hazard map of flood risk to the downstream population. We provide environmental and permitting support, climate change adaptation, and community resilience planning to deliver sustainable, long‑term coastal protection solutions.

Waterco Datrys

Coastal Engineering

Our Coastal Engineering services support the assessment, design and management of resilient coastlines.

We apply advanced numerical modelling to understand coastal processes, inform defence strategies and manage erosion risks, delivering sustainable, technically robust solutions that protect communities, infrastructure and the natural environment under changing climate and sea level conditions. Our key services include:

Numerical coastal process modelling (waves, tides, sediment transport)

We develop numerical coastal process models to simulate waves, tides, and sediment transport for informed design decisions.

Coastal defence feasibility, design and asset management

Our team conducts coastal erosion risk assessments to guide shoreline management strategies and long-term mitigation planning.

Coastal erosion risk assessment and shoreline management support

We deliver feasibility studies, detailed designs, and asset management advice for effective and resilient coastal defences.

Climate change adaptation and sea level rise assessment

We assess climate change impacts and sea level rise to inform adaptive, future-proofed coastal and flood risk solutions.

Waterco Datrys

Coastal & Shoreline Modelling

The UK coastline presents significant challenges for water management and flood risk.

Our specialised coastal modelling services simulate key processes such as coastal evolution, breach development, and wave dynamics. These insights inform effective shoreline management plans, helping to protect coastal assets and minimise erosion.

We support local authorities, ports, harbours and developers in managing the risks associated with coastal change.

Coastal evolution

We analyse long‑term shoreline change by modelling sediment movement and coastal morphology to understand future erosion and accretion.

Coastal breach modelling

We simulate defence failures to assess flood pathways and quantify the risks posed by breaches in coastal protection structures.

Wave behaviour

We evaluate wave dynamics in harbours, ports and estuaries to support safe operations and resilient coastal infrastructure design.

Beach protection

We assess interventions such as dredging, reclamation and nourishment to maintain beach stability and reduce erosion.

Scour protection

We design and assess measures like groynes and other structures to prevent seabed erosion around vulnerable assets.

Shoreline management plans

We provide evidence‑based inputs to support sustainable coastal protection, habitat creation and long‑term adaptation.

Our Work

Case Studies

Coastal Engineering Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Lead Local Flood Authorities have you worked with?

With over 20 years’ experience, we’ve partnered with Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) across the UK to secure funding, investigate flood events, develop drainage strategies, and reduce flood risk under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

Our experience includes work with Denbighshire County Council, Flintshire County Council, St. Helens Council, Cheshire Council, Gwynedd Council and Derbyshire Council.