Ports and harbours

This section addresses the gap in technical knowledge between maritime/civil engineers and quantity surveyors working on port and harbour projects. The terminology used in the design and construction of ports and harbours is defined and the utility services that may be required are outlined.

A list of the British standards and codes of practice used by maritime/civil engineers are listed, as well as the dimensions and capacities of a variety of commercial ships. These include container, oil tankers and bulk carriers.

The general philosophy is that of a ship entering a harbour with protecting breakwaters and following a buoyed channel up the river to the port. Where there is only a small tidal range, the ship will be able to navigate directly to a berth allocated in the port. However, where there is a significant tidal range, the ship will be guided by a lead-in jetty into a lock from where it will navigate to a berth allocated in an impounded dock system.

Port facilities to be provided on the land side of the berth in the area referred to as the back of port are outlined as are services provided on both the berth and the back of port areas. Finally, some of the factors affecting the cost of constructing new ports and harbours are outlined.

This section is maintained by Richard Rowe.

isurv section: Container terminals

isurv section: Marinas

Feature: Mapping coastal heritage: understanding climate change impacts