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Coastal Engineering Companies: How to Choose the Right Firm for Your Project

Writer's picture: Aaron SalyerAaron Salyer

Coastal environments are constantly changing. Strong tides and storms naturally change the shape of a coastline over time. But with rising sea levels and extreme weather events becoming more frequent, expert coastal engineering companies can play a vital role in protecting shorelines, infrastructure, and communities.


But how do you know which coastal engineering company to trust? With so many firms offering erosion control and shoreline protection, it’s crucial to choose a specialist that understands the complexities of coastal processes, regulatory requirements, and nature-based solutions.




What Do Coastal Engineering Companies Do?

Coastal engineering is a specialised field of engineering that focuses on managing and protecting coastal zones from natural forces and human impacts. Unlike large civil engineering firms, coastal engineering companies have specialist expertise in designing and implementing coastal solutions that work with natural processes rather than against them.

International Coastal Management (ICM) is a globally recognised leader in providing practical, cost-effective, and sustainable coastal solutions. While our head office is located on the Gold Coast, Australia, our expertise extends worldwide, delivering innovative and tailored solutions to coastal challenges.

Coastal engineer services include:


At ICM, we’ve been delivering these solutions for over 40 years, combining engineering expertise with a deep understanding of coastal dynamics to ensure long-term success.


How to Choose the Right Coastal Engineering Company

Not all coastal engineering companies are created equal. When selecting a partner for your project, consider the following key factors:


1. Experience & Proven Track Record

Coastal engineering is complex - real-world experience matters. Look for a company with:

  • Decades of experience handling diverse coastal challenges

  • A strong portfolio of successful projects in various environments

  • International expertise to bring global best practices to local solutions

ICM’s Advantage: ICM has safeguarded thousands of miles of coastline across 23+ countries, delivering 1,200+ successful projects. From erosion-prone shorelines to million-dollar waterfront developments, our expertise transforms coastal challenges into lasting, sustainable solutions that protect communities, businesses, and ecosystems.



2. Regulatory Knowledge & Compliance

Coastal projects must adhere to strict environmental and regulatory guidelines. The right engineering firm will:

  • Navigate complex approval processes for you

  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and national regulations

  • Provide certified designs that meet marine engineering and environmental standards (location dependant)

ICM’s Advantage: We work closely with councils, governments, and private developers to streamline approvals and compliance - so your project stays on track.

3. Specialist vs. Generalist Approach

Many civil engineering firms offer coastal engineering as part of a broader service, but coastal resilience requires specialised expertise. Choose a company that:

  • Focuses exclusively on coastal engineering

  • Understands the unique challenges of coastal processes

  • Can design solutions tailored to site-specific conditions

ICM’s Advantage: Unlike many firms, ICM is a coastal engineering specialist. We don’t just build structures - we design solutions that work in harmony with nature.



4. Innovative & Sustainable Solutions

Today’s coastal projects require innovative solutions that balance protection with sustainability. The best companies will:

  • Incorporate nature-based solutions alongside traditional engineering

  • Use advanced digital modelling to predict long-term effectiveness

  • Focus on ecological benefits, not just hard infrastructure

ICM’s Advantage: We’ve developed coastal resilience frameworks and strategies such as the Living Speed Bumps approach, used in Australia, the UAE and soon to be in the United States.



5. Multi-Benefit Project Outcomes

The most effective coastal solutions go beyond erosion control - they create economic, environmental, and community benefits. Look for a firm that:

  • Enhances beach amenity and recreational value

  • Supports marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems

  • Maximises cost-effectiveness without compromising resilience

ICM’s Advantage: Our multi-functional coastal solutions have helped cities, developers, and homeowners protect their investments while improving coastal ecosystems.



The Gold Coast Coastal Resilience Evolution

The Gold Coast, Australia, is a prime example of how integrated coastal engineering strategies can protect shorelines while maintaining beach health.

  • Challenge: Severe beach erosion threatened homes, infrastructure, and tourism.

  • ICM’s Solution: A hybrid approach combining:

  • Result: A resilient, adaptable system that protects against storms while preserving beach access and ecological value.


The Gold Coast: Before & After
The Gold Coast: Before & After

The Future of Coastal Engineering

As climate change accelerates, coastal engineering must evolve. Future directions of the field may include

  • Adaptive engineering designs: Coastal structures designed for adaptability e.g. ability to increase height or width in response to sea level rise

  • Machine learning advancements: Incorporating AI into designs

  • Proactive planning: Integrating nature-based elements with engineered structures, like multifunctional artificial reefs and living shorelines


ICM is at the forefront of this evolution, leading pioneering pilot projects worldwide and contributing to global research initiatives. Our expertise extends to serving on high-profile panels, including the United Nations Ocean Decade Expert Panel and the Engineers Australia National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering, shaping the next generation of sustainable coastal solutions.


How to Get Started with ICM

For private developments, councils/governments, or other design firms looking for coastal expertise, if you’re planning a project, get in touch with us. Our team can provide you with:

  • Expert consultation to assess your site’s needs

  • Customised engineering designs that balance protection & sustainability

  • Implementation and project management from start to finish




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