Port Planning
Creating Efficient, Future-Ready Ports that Work — Operationally and Commercially
At TILT Engineering & Design, we combine engineering expertise, commercial awareness, and operational insight to plan and develop ports that are efficient, resilient, and ready for the future.
From berth optimisation to long-term masterplanning, we design strategies that align operational requirements, safety, and commercial performance — helping port operators, developers, and investors make smarter decisions about their marine assets.
Our Approach
We understand how ports really operate — how vessels move, how space is used, and how infrastructure earns its keep. Our engineers have worked alongside harbour authorities, marina operators, and private developers to deliver plans that maximise utilisation and extend the life of critical marine assets.
We focus on:
Operational efficiency – smarter layouts, safer movements, reduced downtime
Commercial competitiveness – maximising throughput and profitability per metre of quay or berth
Engineering practicality – solutions that are buildable, cost-effective, and low maintenance
Environmental compliance – integrating sustainability and future consenting considerations
We know boats. We know infrastructure. And we know how to make both work harder.
Our Port Planning Services
Port Masterplanning & Feasibility Studies
Strategic planning for expansion, redevelopment, or optimisation.
We evaluate physical constraints, infrastructure condition, environmental context, and market drivers to define a clear development pathway.
Site analysis and options appraisal
Capacity and throughput modelling
Berthing and navigational layout studies
Market and demand alignment
Sustainability and resilience planning
Berth & Infrastructure Optimisation
Sweating the asset — improving performance without unnecessary rebuild. We identify under-utilised areas, bottlenecks, and maintenance priorities to help ports operate leaner and more efficiently.
Structural and geotechnical review of existing assets
Quay wall and mooring configuration optimisation
Traffic, storage and access layout improvements
Maintenance and upgrade prioritisation plans
Engineering & Design Integration
We ensure the port masterplan connects seamlessly to practical design and construction. Our multi-disciplinary team delivers detailed civil, structural, and geotechnical design for implementation.
Quay wall and piling design
Dredging and reclamation planning
Services and access infrastructure
Temporary works and build sequencing
Commercial & Operational Advisory
Working closely with environmental We help port operators and investors evaluate business cases and futureproof investment. Our engineers understand the numbers — asset life, ROI, operating cost and resilience.
Asset performance benchmarking
Lifecycle cost and value engineering analysis
Maintenance and investment planning
Integration of automation and future technologies
Development & Consenting Support
We support clients through planning, marine consents, and stakeholder engagement. Our integrated approach ensures development plans align with environmental and regulatory requirements — from concept to approval.
Coordination with MMO, EA, harbour and planning authorities
Supporting documentation for Marine Licence or planning applications
Outline design drawings and method statement
Why Choose TILT
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Real-world design insight ensures plans that can actually be built and maintained.
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Every plan considers utilisation, revenue generation, and ROI.
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Civil, structural and geotechnical specialists under one roof.
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Commercial ports, marinas, boatyards and waterfront redevelopments.
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From feasibility and consent through detailed design and delivery.
Ready to Plan Your Port for the Future?
Whether you’re expanding, reconfiguring, or revitalising an existing facility, we’ll help you shape a plan that performs — technically, operationally, and commercially.
FAQs
What is port masterplanning?
Port masterplanning defines how a port or harbour will evolve over time — balancing operational needs, commercial growth, and environmental constraints to create a clear development roadmap.
Why do I need engineering input during the planning stage?
Engineering input ensures proposals are technically viable, cost-effective, and consentable — avoiding later redesigns or rejected applications.
Can you help improve an existing port without major rebuilds?
Yes — we specialise in asset optimisation, helping clients increase efficiency, throughput and safety using existing infrastructure.
What’s included in a feasibility or masterplanning study?
Site appraisal, layout options, capacity modelling, environmental and consenting considerations, and indicative cost or phasing strategy.
What authorities are involved in marine consents?
Site appraisal, layout options, capacity modelling, environmental and consenting considerations, and indicative cost or phasing strategy.
Do you handle both commercial ports and marinas?
Absolutely. Our experience spans commercial freight ports, mixed-use waterfronts, boatyards, and marina redevelopments.
How do you factor in environmental and consenting issues?
We coordinate closely with MMO, EA, and planning authorities, ensuring environmental assessments and marine consents align with the masterplan.
Can you provide design and delivery support once the plan is approved?
Yes — our civil, structural, and geotechnical engineers deliver full design and construction support, creating a seamless route from plan to build.