Marine

The marine sector within civil engineering plays a critical role in delivering the infrastructure that connects communities, supports economic activity and enables the transition to a low‑carbon future.

From ports, harbours and quays to offshore structures and coastal defences, civil engineers design and construct assets that must perform in some of the most challenging environments. Coastal, maritime and offshore engineering is fundamental to addressing issues such as sea level rise, coastal resilience and the delivery of vital infrastructure including ports and harbours.

Marine civil engineering is vital in Scotland, where coastal and island communities rely on robust maritime infrastructure for connectivity and economic resilience. Ports and harbours act as critical hubs for trade, employment and regional growth, while also serving as gateways for emerging sectors such as offshore wind and low‑carbon energy supply chains.

It is also fundamental to providing, safeguarding and developing the ferries, ports and harbours that underpin Scotland’s lifeline services. Focussing on safe, efficient and resilient infrastructure reflects the importance of well-designed marine works—from quay construction and dredging to terminal upgrades—in ensuring reliable ferry operations and connectivity.