London, UK – As Storm Ashley wreaks havoc across the country, flooding has become a pressing issue for some of the UK’s most vulnerable areas – harbours, marinas, and riverside properties. These critical locations not only house vital industries but are also home to thousands of businesses and residents. In light of this, TILT Engineering Design, a leader in maritime solutions, is calling for immediate action to strengthen the flood resilience of coastal and riverside infrastructure.
According to Ian Dobson, Managing Director of TILT Engineering Design, “Harbours and riverside businesses are on the frontline of flooding risks. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, upgrading flood defences is not just about protecting property – it’s about ensuring the safety of local communities and the continuity of economic activity in these vital areas.” He also adds, “A lot of focus [and funds] is directed towards protecting homes, however if we really want to have a resilient growing economy we must ensure that businesses are adequately protected.”
Harbours and marinas are highly susceptible to storm surges and rising sea levels, which can cause significant flooding, disrupt maritime activities, and damage infrastructure, incurring huge costs. These areas need robust flood defence systems to mitigate the risks posed by coastal flooding. Dobson emphasizes the need for proactive planning, including regular inspections and maintenance of existing defences, as well as upgrading structures to account for increasingly intense weather events.
In addition to traditional methods, Dobson suggests embracing modern, innovative solutions to withstand the challenges of rising sea levels and more severe weather patterns. These solutions include reinforced seawalls and flood gates, as well as storm surge barriers. There is also significant potential to integrate natural flood defences, such as salt marshes and wetland restoration, which not only act as buffers against storm surges but also enhance the local environment.
Riverside areas, particularly those in urban settings, face a unique set of challenges. In addition to the threat of river flooding, drainage systems in these areas are often overwhelmed during heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash flooding. Dobson stresses the importance of investing in flood gates, elevated structures, and flood-resistant materials to minimize damage to businesses situated along riverbanks.
Moreover, Dobson suggests that improved drainage systems and pumping stations are needed to effectively remove floodwaters and reduce their impact on both businesses and public spaces. While maintaining current flood infrastructure is essential, future-proofing flood defences requires embracing new technologies and design solutions. TILT Engineering Design is working with local authorities and businesses to develop customized flood defence systems that address the unique needs of harbours, marinas, and riverside areas.
Dobson concludes, “We need to be innovative in our approach, particularly where the capital investment is borne by the business. Whether it’s using smart flood barriers that can respond to real-time conditions, or deploying floating breakwaters and dynamic flood gates, we have the engineering solutions to make these areas more resilient.” He also emphasizes the importance of investing in flood protection from the concept and design stage, as well as adapting and improving waterside configurations immediately to safeguard businesses and communities and reduce insurance costs.
In light of the pressing need for action, TILT Engineering Design is calling for collaboration between the government, local authorities, and private industry to ensure that harbours, marinas, and riverside properties are adequately protected from flooding risks. “By working together, we can build stronger, smarter flood defences that not only protect the public and businesses today but also prepare us for the future,” Dobson states. “We can’t afford to wait for the next storm – the time to act is now.”
For more information on how to protect harbours, marinas, and riverside properties from flooding, please contact TILT Engineering Design.
