New Marina Development Plans: What You Need to Know

Drafting a new marina development plan 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 delivering marina developments 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

ICM’s Marina Development Plan

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

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 maneuvering space
Lease boundaries or development envelope
Shoreline conditions and site geometry
Long-term staging plans

We use AS3962 and international best practice 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 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 marina 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

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.

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?

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!