Other structures – harbour facilities

Port and harbour facilities, whether new-build, extensions, or refurbishments, require more than isolated disciplines. Ground conditions, currents and waves, material selection, and construction logistics all influence both design and operation. At SYSTRA, we bring together geotechnical engineers, hydrogeologists, and structural engineers in one integrated process, ensuring that decisions are based on solid data and that solutions are tailored to the specific site conditions. The result is port and harbour facilities that are safe to build, robust in operation, and easy to maintain.

Early integration

When geotechnical engineering and hydraulic engineering are integrated early, we can predict settlements, manage the effects of currents and waves, optimise materials, and reduce construction risks. This leads to better whole-life economy, fewer surprises during execution, and a facility that is durable and can be adapted to future needs.

Port and harbour facilities are specialised structures that require expert knowledge and experience. Complex loads, including ice, wave, and impact loads, may be combined with specific mooring requirements that must be adapted to geotechnical conditions, groundwater conditions, and construction logistics. At SYSTRA, we have extensive experience across all phases of a port project, and we support our clients with everything from the refurbishment and maintenance of small local harbours to the design of larger port structures. The common thread running through our projects is that, through close dialogue with our clients, we tailor each solution to your needs while keeping a clear focus on both project budget and programme.

Horsens town centre is highly vulnerable to rising water levels in Horsens Fjord. The climate adaptation solution is therefore being incorporated into the Municipality of Horsens’ road project, which aims to divert traffic away from the town centre. The new ring road will cross Horsens Fjord on an embankment designed to function as storm surge protection and as a safeguard against elevated water levels in the fjord.

SYSTRA has designed the piled deck structure spanning Bygholm Å, where the stream flows into Horsens Fjord. Two sheet pile quay walls have been constructed, with a piled deck installed between the sheet pile walls. Around the sheet pile walls, a rock embankment has been built, among other things to protect the quay walls against ice loads.

Illustration: LYTT

services

We provide consultancy on both small and large projects—from swimming jetties and quay refurbishments to new breakwaters and terminal areas. Our services cover the entire process:

Planning and execution of geotechnical site investigations, both on land and in water
Assessment and optimisation of geotechnical parameters and design basis
Design of port and harbour facilities: quay walls, anchoring systems, breakwaters, swimming jetties, concrete structures, drainage, and paving
Preparation of tender documentation, procurement, and supplier coordination
Discipline lead services in larger multidisciplinary projects
Construction management, site supervision, and phase planning for safe execution
Inspections, condition assessments, operation and maintenance, and repair strategies