At NIRAS, we believe in the power of practical, resilient engineering to create lasting impact. Rooted in Denmark and shaped by our Scandinavian heritage, we focus on building trust, collaboration, and a strong sense of community in everything we do. As a foundation-owned and employeeowned company, we prioritise long-term thinking and responsible growth.
With nearly 70 years of expertise and a team of more than 3,000 specialists, we offer solutions across almost every field – from industry and construction to environment, infrastructure, water, energy, life sciences, and biosolutions. Our strong local presence, combined with a global outlook, ensures we meet the evolving needs of our clients, making a meaningful impact in every project we undertake.
We embrace complexity and collaborate across disciplines to solve the toughest challenges. And when we don’t have the specialist expertise in-house, we partner with trusted external experts to deliver the best possible solutions for our clients. Our approach is always thoughtful, grounded, and tailored to achieve the best outcomes for our clients and communities.
Our flat, trust-based organisation empowers our people to make the right decisions, free from layers of bureaucracy. This agility keeps us responsive and ready to act, delivering effective solutions that align with our clients’ goals and aspirations.
At NIRAS, our ambition is simple: to be a trusted partner, helping our clients build a balanced, resilient future, one project at a time.
Global presence & centres of excellence
marine & coastal projects map
62
+3,000 employees
+8,000 projects
Swinoujscie Container Terminal, Poland
NEOM Oxagon Container Terminal Phase 2, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Lome Container Terminal Togo
Manzanillo LNG Terminal Project Marine Due Diligence, Dominican Republic
General Cargo Terminal, Guayaquil
Climate adaptation in Egypt
Sullom Voe Terminal Shetland Islands, Scotland
Future of the North Coast of Zealand – Shoreline management plan and EIA
Offshore wind base ports, Philippines
New port at Varberg Harbor, Sweden
Tanzania National Port Masterplan & Tanga Expansion
International Port Development, The Maldives Fuvahmulah Coastal Protection
Relocation of Kipevu Oil Terminal, Mombasa, Kenya
offices
NIRAS delivers a broad range of services across sectors
Marine and coastal engineering
With more than 70 years of experience, NIRAS provides comprehensive consulting services in relation to ports, terminals, coastal and marine civil works.
Services are rendered for all project phases including master planning, feasibility studies, input to environmental impact assessments and consenting, due diligence, design, construction supervision and project management.
NIRAS is involved in the whole life-cycle of marine assets providing inspection and maintenance services as well as maintenance dredging design and management.
Projects are delivered worldwide from our offices in Denmark and globally, and in a variety of marine conditions - from the Arctic to the tropics.
Focused on quality and partnerships
Our ability to create strong partnerships and deliver considerable value, ensures the best result for our clients.
• Strategy development
• Inception
• Feasibility & master planning
• Site investigations
• Outline / concept design
• Licensing & consents
• Detailed design
• Procurement
• Construction delivery
• Asset management
• Technical due diligence
Our clients and partners include
An integrated business covering all aspects of project life-cycles and business transformation
We engage our multi-disciplinary team to assist in all stages of a project.
Services are rendered for all project phases from master planning and feasibility studies, through EIA, due diligence, design, supervision, project management, operation and maintenance services. We team up with employees from across departments covering geotechnical, hydraulic modelling, utility services, lighting, paving and environmental disciplines to provide a world class service tailored to the needs of our clients.
International experience & delivery
We have successfully delivered our services on a broad range of marine and coastal projects around the world and in a variety of marine conditions. Our global network of offices allows us to apply our international experience and capabilities within a local context.
Solutions based on key competences and services
Key competences:
• Dredging and reclamation
• Coastal stabilisation / protection
• Breakwaters and revetments
• Coastal and river engineering
• Marinas and beach resorts
• Canals
• Dry docks and slipways
• Terminals for offshore industry
• Offshore wind farms
• Subsea pipelines
• Fishery harbours
• Repairs of existing port infrastructure
• Liquid bulk terminals
• Dry bulk terminals
• Break bulk terminals
• Container terminals
• Multipurpose terminals
• Ferry and Ro-Ro terminals
Services offered
• Site investigation design and management
• Bathymetric survey design and management
• Master planning and site selection
• Smart and Green Ports advisory services (see brochure)
• Marine and land based operational studies
• Offshore wind services (see brochure)
• Project management
• Feasibility studies (economic and financial)
• Environmental impact assessments
• Condition surveys
• Engineering design
• Procurement assistance
• Construction supervision
• Maintenance planning
• Life cycle management planning
• Human resource development
• Privatisation support
• PPP advice
• Third party assessment of arbitration
• Training and transfer of know-how
• Expert witness services
World leading in marine engineering
Coastal engineering projects are often multidisciplinary and concern several stakeholders. From projects delivered in many parts of the world, our expertise in all aspects of work in the coastal zone is widely recognised.
We stress the importance of establishing a fundamental understanding of the natural environment and local conditions when developing sustainable solutions. We use state-of-the-art numerical models (MIKE-software and CFD-models), GIS and 3D modelling software that enable us to assist our clients with managing and monitoring the coastal environment as well as to develop, optimise and present our assessments and designs.
We develop tailor-made solutions in close collaboration with our clients and other stakeholders, satisfying each project’s individual requirements. We have extensive experience with stakeholder management and collaboration with authorities.
We develop our projects based on a holistic perspective often including surveying, environment, master planning, landscape architecture and economics to form robust and integrated solutions that provide additional recreational value.
Our in-house specialists cover all required disciplines and have decades of experience in solving complex coastal challenges including:
• Numerical modelling of waves, water levels and sediment transport
• Site and structure assessments
• Shoreline management plans
• Climate adaptation plans for coastal zones
• Coastal and marine structures
• Flood protection
• Sedimentation of accesses channels to ports and estuaries
• Dredging, reclamation and beach nourishment
• Coastal and waterfront development
• Environmental modelling and environmental impact assessment
• Risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis
• Concept design and detailed design
World leading in marine engineering
Our team of maritime specialists provide innovative solutions and support to our clients at all stages of a project.
In the early phases of a project, we typically undertake the master planning of the terminal and associated marine facilities, whilst also taking the lead in related studies such as:
• Metocean studies and numerical modelling to determine wind, wave, current and tidal conditions at the project location.
• Dynamic mooring studies, including passing vessel analysis.
• Navigation studies - from high-level desktop assessments through to Full Mission Bridge simulations.
• Expert marine input to HAZID assessments, QRAs and other riskbased studies.
• Cost-benefit studies to assess the feasibility and commercial viability of a project.
Our maritime structural engineers and geotechnical engineers work together to develop the design of marine facilities right from initial concept and optioneering through to detailed design. We use industry standard modelling software in combination with our engineering judgement and experience to provide state of the art solutions, tailored to each project’s unique needs.
Beyond the design and construction stages of a project, we provide services from condition inspections and asset management to capital expansion programmes and re-purposing of marine facilities.
We provide specialist maritime input
We recognise that the development of port and terminal facilities requires a multi-disciplinary approach, and clients prefer to work with a single integrated team. As a result, we have an established network of strategic partners we engage to give our clients a tailor-made team of professional experts. Among many others, this includes process engineers, master mariners, environmental specialists and transport economists, all uniquely qualified in their area of expertise.
3D Modelling Configuration of a Container Terminal Quay Wall
Geotechnical engineering
NIRAS has developed expertise within many disciplines with relevance for onshore and offshore geotechnical engineering.
Extensive theoretical knowledge and genuine practical experience are essential in creating the best solutions.
From projects in many parts of the world, NIRAS has developed expertise in covering all aspects of geotechnical work.
We know how important it is to establish a fundamental understanding of processes and conditions when developing sustainable solutions. In assisting our clients with geotechnical engineering and creating the most optimal value, we apply our advanced models and the software tools that we have developed.
Soil-structure interaction is part of the modelling of all types of maritime structures. Site investigations, geological and geotechnical modelling, geotechnical data interpretation and liquefaction analyses are examples of analyses that require extensive knowledge and understanding of soil and rock behavior.
Through our consultancy we use our experience within design of quay walls, piers, jetties, piles and jacket structures related to marine structures. Further, our expertise covers the analyses related to dredging and reclamation projects.
3D Geotechnical Analysis Models of Port Developments
Offshore engineering
In the midst of the green energy transition, these are exciting times for the offshore engineering sector
With the combined capabilities of NIRAS and LICengineering, which was was acquired by NIRAS in 2023, we are ideally placed to support the sector. Our team of specialists provide a comprehensive service to the diverse offshore engineering sector.
We have extensive experience in the fields of:
• Offshore renewable energy
• Floating wind structures
• Wind turbine generator and offshore high voltage station support structures, secondary structures, repair and modifications
• Subsea pipelines and cables, risers and conductors, subsea
• structures and the like
• Research and development
• Hydrodynamics and geotechnics
Our other specialisms include:
• Corrosion protection
• Scour protection
• Pile driving
• Cable protection and tie-in
• Cable dynamics
• Integrity Management (RBI, DT, SHM)
Terminals
Container and multi-purpose terminals
The introduction of container freight revolutionised the transport industry. The standardisation of cargo allowed for specialised equipment, which resulted in more efficient and quicker handling and storage of cargo. As a result, containers became the dominant form of maritime transport.
Now container terminals are undergoing their own revolution. Vessel sizes are increasing, and capacities of terminals need to follow. This means greater water depths, larger berth sizes, as well as increased handling and storage capacities. Furthermore, smart technologies including varying levels of automation are being introduced to increase handling capacities on existing footprints and provide more efficient operating solutions. As a result of the wide variety of technologies and processes available, container terminals are moving away from a standard “one size fits all” model to requiring tailored solutions that will meet the specific needs and profile of a particular terminal.
We combine our decades of container terminal experience with modern technologies to provide innovative solutions for the planning and design of container terminal projects
Container terminals are complex, requiring their infrastructure, systems and operations to function in harmony. Covering the entire project life cycle, our multi-disciplinary services are rendered from masterplanning and feasibility studies, through EIA, due diligence, design development, supervision, project management, to operation and maintenance services.
We pride ourselves on our ability to work collaboratively with our clients and project stakeholders to define and deliver the optimum innovative solution for the particular container terminal.
Signature projects
Swinoujscie Container Terminal
DEME Concessions N.V. (Belgium) and Q Terminals W.L.L. (Qatar) (the “Investor”) have been invited by the Szczecin and Swinoujscie Seaports Authority to conduct negotiations and sign a long-term lease agreement for a deep-water container terminal within the port boundary at Swinoujscie, to be designed and built by the Investor.
The proposed Swinoujscie Container Terminal in Poland is to be located in the coastal town of Swinoujscie in the Baltic Sea. The port is to be developed into 2 main phases.
The phase 1 development comprises the following:
• Marine Infrastructure (Including berth, reclamation and shore protection)
• Superstructure (Including all utility infrastructure, paving and port structures such as gantry crane running beams, hazardous container storage & substations)
Phase 2 of the project will be the extension of the container terminal after the completion of phase 1.
NEOM Oxagon Container Terminal Phase 2
The project is part of the NEOM Industrial City Region and is planned in such a way to mitigate all adverse impacts on existing operations including navigation operations, container terminal & multipurpose terminal operations and other neighbouring facilities.
The Oxagon Container Terminal 2 Marine Works Contract involves the construction of a new automated container terminal, north of the existing Port of Duba.
The independent peer review carried out by NIRAS was undertaken in accordance with the project & employer requirements and procedures based on a clear and defined major deliverables covering the standard project design stages: Basis of Design, Preliminary Design and Detailed Design.
Lomé Container Terminal
The project is a state-of-the-art container terminal, which in its final development stage will cater for 2.5 – 3 million TEU per annum (1.5 million TEU in a first phase). The terminal comprises: 1,050 m quay length (diaphragm walls) with a draught of 16.6 m, excavation/dredging of 4.5 million m3, reclamation, paving of 55 ha container yard and a terminal building for a modern terminal.
NIRAS’ services on the project included:
• Planning
• Design
• Preparation of tender documents for EPC tender
• Review of the contractor’s detailed design and site supervision and management.
Regarding the principal work package and with output into the environmental certificate, NIRAS provided early project planning and design of the container terminal in close cooperation with the Employer. The services included operational concept, elaboration of the terminal layout, planning of the terminal’s administrative building and workshops, design of drains, power cable routing and other utilities as well as the draft tender design of quay structures and critical installations.
On this basis NIRAS went on to prepare Tender documents for an EPC-tender. For the quay structures two alternative solutions were designed – one was a traditional tied back sheet pile wall and the other a diaphragm wall. Eventually, based on the contractor’s tender proposals, the Employer, with advice from NIRAS, selected the diaphragm wall alternative as the preferred solution.
After receipt of Contractor’s tenders NIRAS provided services in relation to tender evaluation, negotiations with tenderers and contracting with the selected tenderer.
During the construction phase NIRAS carried out:
• Detailed review of the contractor’s design proposals and work procedures
• On site construction supervision
• Review and approval of As-built documentation
• Assessment of non-conformances and commercial claims
• Follow-up regarding non-conformances and outstanding work
Climate adaptation in Egypt
The Egyptian Government contracted NIRAS through United Nation Development Program (UNDP) for a comprehensive climate adaptation project to protect the country’s 1,000 km long Mediterranean coast and the vast Nile Delta from flooding.
The Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation in the North Coast and Nile Delta Regions in Egypt Project (ECCADP) aims to support the adaptation efforts of Egypt in the North coast and in particular the Nile Delta, which is identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its Fourth Assessment Report as one of the world’s three “extremely” vulnerable deltas in the world.
The objective of the ECCADP is to reduce coastal flooding risks in Egypt’s North Coast due to the combination of projected sea level rise and more frequent and intense extreme storm events. Output 1 focuses on constructing 69 km of sand dune dikes at five vulnerable hotspots within the Nile Delta that were identified during an engineering scoping assessment and technical feasibility study. Output 2 focuses on the development of a climate resilient Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) plan for the entire North Coast of Egypt, to manage long-term risks including climate change.
The ECCADP will facilitate transformational change in the shortterm by reducing coastal flooding threats along vulnerable hotspots in the Delta and in the long-term by integrating additional risks of climate change into coastal management and planning, budgeting and implementation of risk reduction measures. The ECCADP is implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) and is jointly funded by the Government of Egypt (GoE), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Sullom Voe Terminal Shetland Islands, Scotland
Supporting the vision of oil to future energy at Sullom Voe.
NIRAS has been awarded an up-to 8 year marine engineering consultancy contract with Shetland Islands Council (SIC) for the development and ongoing maintenance of Sullom Voe Oil Terminal at the Port of Sullom Voe.
The extended contract was awarded after a successful 50 year partnership that has seen the Port grow to become a vital component in the energy infrastructure of the North Sea and huge contributor to Shetland and the United Kingdom economy.
The contract includes ongoing maintenance, life extension, environmental and green energy consultancy and NIRAS has a local site office to provide year round technical assistance and management, supported by a dedicated team of 300+ maritime industry experts.
NIRAS’ long standing involvement with Sullom Voe Terminal demonstrates the company’s commitment to excellence, sustainable solutions, and the continued prosperity of Shetland’s maritime legacy. From detailed visual inspections to large-scale maintenance operations and capital infrastructure projects, we’ve consistently delivered innovative solutions that meet and exceed SIC’s evolving requirements. Our expertise in marine structures ensures the continuous operation of the terminal’s critical marine assets.
Fuvahmulah Coastal Protection
Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Maldives is planning to implement the ‘Coastal Protection Gn. Fuvahmulah’ project which includes development, implementation and maintenance of a sustainable coastal protection of one of the most southern islands of Maldives.
The main objective of the project is to provide a coastal revetment along a 2.6 km coastal stretch on Fuvahmulah to protect the elevated coastal ridge against ongoing erosion and to prevent flooding due to the rising sea level. The long term overall objective is to provide the population on the island with both a safe and healthy environment to live and work in as well as to provide a sustainable basis for further socio-economic development.
The project is located at the south part of the Maldives islands, approximately 500 km south of the Capital Malé.
MT Højgaard has been awarded the contract to undertake the project and have engaged NIRAS to provide engineering consultancy services for the design & build of the project.
Future of the North Coast of Zealand – Shoreline management plan and EIA
The North Coast of Zealand, Denmark, erodes along most of the stretch between Hundested and Elsinore due to a general deficit in the sediment budget. Over the past 100 years extensive hard coastal protection has been constructed along more than half of the 60 km coast. NIRAS is developing a longterm sustainable shoreline management plan for the entire 60 km coast for the three municipalities Halsnæs, Gribskov and Elsinore.
The shoreline management plan defines standard cross sections for revetments and beach breakwaters that are optimised according to the beach nourishment scheme. NIRAS has prepared a full EIA for the beach nourishment scheme.
New Port at Varberg Harbor, Sweden
NIRAS was contracted as engineering consultant by Per Aarsleff A/S in connection with the execution of a turnkey contract, which includes the establishment of a new part of Varberg Port, Sweden. The port will be used for the storage and shipment of timber products.
The project includes the construction of a 324 metre long quay and a 140 metre long pier. Both the quay and pier are built as jetty quays, with the structures supported by piles underneath a concrete deck. Beneath the concrete deck, a stone revetment has been established.
The quay is equipped with fenders, bollards, and connections for water and electricity. The quay is constructed on soft deposits, necessitating extensive ground improvement to ensure the stability of the structure.
Throughout the project, NIRAS has collaborated closely with the executing contractor. This ensures that all solutions are designed to best match the contractor’s plant, skills, and construction methods, thereby achieving the optimal project outcome. All structures have been modelled in 3D to ensure a smooth transfer of the project to the executing contractor.
Tanzania National Port Masterplan & Tanga Expansion
NIRAS was contracted to undertake the design of a new oil terminal and expansion of the Port of Tanga, Tanzania’s second largest port. The agreement includes a masterplan for the strategic development of the ports of Tanzania during the next 25 years.
Tanzania has three international ports, with Dar es Salaam being the largest. Recent developments in the region has made it necessary to expand both Port of Mtwara in the South and Port of Tanga in the North to meet increased demands for international port capacity.
NIRAS led the study and design of the upgrading of the existing Port of Tanga. The port project also encompasses the construction of a new fully fledged oil terminal, which is a hub for rail and ship traffic in northern Tanzania.
The contract strengthens the presence of NIRAS in East Africa. From our offices in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia, we have been a strong partner in the development of the civil and public infrastructure of East Africa for the past 25 years.
International Port Development, The Maldives
The capital of The Maldives is Malé, which is an island with a population of over 140,000 people in barely more than 2 km2. The existing port of Malé is the primary port in the Maldives and is used as the hub for the importation of container, bulk and general cargo to serve the local population as well as the numerous resort islands in the country.
The current port is surrounded by rapid urban development which renders any expansion impossible. As such NIRAS in partnership with local consultants led the development of an ambitious project to relocate the primary international port to a new reclaimed island.
The scope of works includes masterplanning the new island and port, surveys and modelling, detailed design of land reclamation and shore protection, EIA, EPC tender design for the port, production of tender documents, assistance during the EPC tender period and preparation of management and training plans for the completed port. Sustainability was at the core of the design as well as provision for future expansion.
Relocation of Kipevu Oil Terminal, Mombasa, Kenya
The Port of Mombasa is the main entry point for all cargo not only for Kenya, but also for the land locked countries in the region – Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and Eastern part of DR Congo. Import of refined oil products has increased in recent years and the capacity of the existing oil terminal has become too small. Consequently a new terminal was needed.
NIRAS provided consultancy services related to preparation of preliminary design and tender design, including design, preparation of tender documents for an EPC tender and further preparation of tender documents for geotechnical investigations and bathymetric surveys. NIRAS’ services also included further client consultancy and coordination of external stakeholders in cooperation with the client.
In addition, NIRAS was responsible for construction management (2019-2022), as well as preparation of environmental scoping and specification for EIA.
Contact
Christoffer Truelsen
Senior Vice President, Ports and marine ctru@niras.com
Jesper Harder Market Director jha@niras.com
Graham Micklem Head of Department, Marine, UK grmi@niras.com
Søren Hansen Senior Specialist soha@niras.com
Klavs Bundgaard Head of Department, Coastal engineering and climate adaptation klbu@niras.com
See our services within ports, marine & coastal engineering
