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Marina Design Best Practices: Engineering for Performance, Resilience & Longevity

Updated: Apr 8

Designing a new marina is an exciting opportunity, but it’s also a major engineering and planning challenge. From choosing the right site to designing for long-term resilience and profitability, there’s a lot to consider. At International Coastal Management (ICM), we’ve been part of marina design, upgrades, and development for over 35 years, helping clients navigate coastal complexities, approvals, and commercial realities to deliver high-performing waterfront infrastructure. 



Why a Purpose-Built Marina Matters 

Marina developments, if not designed correctly, can run into major problems down the line, including wave damage, downdrift erosion impacts, sedimentation, unusable berths, or costly redesigns. 


That’s why it’s essential to bring in coastal and marina engineering consultants from day one. A well-designed marina isn’t just about the best quality berths and pontoons, it’s about getting every component right: 

  • Wave protection 

  • Water circulation and flushing 

  • Vessel access and safety 

  • Environmental compliance 

  • Infrastructure design and staging 

  • Utility and service integration 

  • Financial feasibility 

  • Optimal usability for service users




ICM’s Role in Marina Design & Development 

With over 35 years of expertise, ICM acts as a technical advisor, coastal engineering company, and project delivery partner. Here’s how we guide clients through their new marina development plan: 


Step 1: Site Feasibility & Coastal Condition Assessment 

We start by assessing whether the site can physically support a marina, and what kind of design it will require. This includes: 

  • Wave climate and wind exposure 

  • Tidal range and water depth 

  • Sediment transport and erosion risks 

  • Environmental constraints (seagrass, mangroves, habitats) 

  • Circulation and flushing capacity 

  • Access to navigation channels 


We also assess potential dredging needs, permitting pathways, downdrift impacts, and coastal risks like storm surge and flooding. 


Step 2: Concept Layout & Vessel Planning 

Our Marina Engineers develop an optimised layout based on: 

  • Intended user types (e.g. recreational, commercial, superyachts, megayachts) 

  • Vessel size mix and manoeuvring space 

  • Lease boundaries or development envelope 

  • Shoreline conditions and site geometry 

  • Long-term staging plans 


We use AS3962 and international best practices to develop safe, efficient, and cost-effective configurations, backed by coastal modelling and hydrodynamic analysis. 




Step 3: Breakwater & Wave Attenuation Design 

Depending on the site’s exposure, we determine whether wave protection is required, and how best to achieve it. This may include: 

  • Rock breakwaters 

  • Floating wave attenuators 

  • Low-lying structures like geotubes 


We can model wave penetration into the marina basin to ensure vessel safety and comfort under all weather conditions. 


Step 4: Environmental & Regulatory Coordination 

We lead the environmental and permitting aspects of the project, including: 

  • Environmental impact assessments 

  • Stakeholder consultation 

  • Dredging and disposal approvals 

  • Habitat protection plans 

  • Compliance with local, state, and federal frameworks 


Our deep experience in coastal regulation helps streamline approvals, without compromising sustainability. 


Step 5: Engineering Design & Tender Support 

We prepare or review technical designs for: 

  • Pontoons and mooring systems 

  • Revetments and shoreline protection 

  • Dredging and sediment management 

  • Utility services (power, water, sewage, fuel) 

  • Public access and landside amenities 

  • Marine barriers


Our expert team ensures project ease by leading contractor engagement, supplier coordination, and procurement support 


Step 6: Construction & Project Delivery 

Once construction begins, ICM can provide: 

  • Contractor oversight 

  • Fabrication checks and pre-installation inspections 

  • Progress assessments 

  • Practical completion certification 


We also support post-installation monitoring to ensure water quality, vessel access, and structural performance meet expectations. 

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Key Elements of a Successful New Marina 

✔️ Integrated Layout – Efficient vessel access, berthing, and support services  

✔️ Wave Protection – Engineered for storm resilience and user comfort  

✔️ Utility Infrastructure – Power, water, fueling, sullage, lighting, fire systems  

✔️ Environmental Harmony – Minimal ecological disruption and strong flushing  

✔️ Future-Proofing – Space for expansion, changing vessel sizes, and user trends  

✔️ Smart Materials – Durable, low-maintenance, and climate-ready  

✔️ Financial Viability – Berth mix and layout designed to optimise ROI 


Thinking of Building a Marina or Upgrading an Existing One? 

Whether it’s a boutique waterfront extension or a multi-stage international marina development, early engineering input is essential to avoid costly rework, design limitations, and environmental issues. 


ICM is your trusted partner from feasibility through to delivery. 


📩 Let’s talk about your vision. 


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