From Initial Idea to Delivery
What We Do
Marine projects often begin with an ambition rather than a finished plan.
You may know you want to build a new jetty, develop a terminal, move materials by water or introduce a new marine operation.
What may not yet be clear is how it will work or what navigational constraints could influence the project.
This is often the best time to involve Ports Plus.
Early involvement gives us the opportunity to identify constraints while they can still influence location, design and delivery strategy.
We can then remain involved as the project develops, from initial concept and operational planning through risk assessment, consenting, construction and operation.
Navigation Risk
Understand Risk Early
Navigation Risk Assessment should be proportionate to the project and the decision being made.
At the earliest stage, a Preliminary Navigation Hazard Analysis may be sufficient to identify navigational constraints or potential showstoppers.
As the design develops, a Preliminary Navigation Risk Assessment can establish how the project interacts with the existing navigation environment and identify issues that should influence the design.
Once the project is sufficiently defined, a detailed Navigation Risk Assessment can assess construction and operation, identify hazards, assess risk and develop appropriate controls.
Our assessments draw on a variety of tools and techniques to enable us to quantify the magnitude of navigation risk:, such as:
- Analysis of AIS data.
- Quantitative risk modelling.
- Ship bridge simulations.
- Specialist operational input.
- Stakeholder consultation.
- Incident analysis.
Our approach is grounded in established maritime risk-management principles, including IMO Formal Safety Assessment Guidance and, where relevant, the UK Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code..
We are highly experienced in utilising a variety of risk assessment methodologies including IALA methodologies (SIRA, PAWSA and IWRAP Mk II).
Navigation and Marine Operations
Turn the Concept Into a Workable Operation
Sometimes a project isn't ready for a risk assessment. The first question may simply be: How is this marine operation actually going to work?
Ports Plus helps turn developing project concepts into practical marine operations.
Vessel Traffic Studies
We analyse how ports and waterways are actually used, including routes, vessel types, traffic density, destinations, interactions and navigational pinch points.
AIS is an important tool, but it does not capture every user. Where smaller craft and recreational activity are important, we complement data with stakeholder
engagement and specialist local knowledge.
We seek to understand the navigational environment, not just the data set.
Marine Operational Concept Planning
We help establish the practical marine operation, considering vessel types, marine logistics, loading locations, passage routes, towage, tidal constraints, berthing, manoeuvring and supporting infrastructure.
This gives engineering and project teams an operational basis from which to develop the design.
Vessel Traffic Services and Aids to Navigation
Working with specialist associates, Ports Plus can support Vessel Traffic Service audits and reviews of Aids to Navigation, bringing together vessel-traffic evidence, operational knowledge and applicable guidance.
Berth and Waterway Capacity
We assess whether proposed vessels and increased activity can be accommodated within the available berth, channel, river or waterway, considering manoeuvring, tides, capacity and interaction with existing traffic.
Inland Waterways
Specialist Advice for Inland Navigation
Ports Plus combines maritime consultancy with first-hand experience of operating, managing and commercially developing inland waterways.
Waterspace & Mooring Strategy
We help clients understand how navigation, moorings, leisure activity, business boating and waterside development can coexist.
This can range from assessing existing mooring provision and project impacts to developing longer-term strategies for how waterspace should be used.
Business Boating
We support new and existing water-based businesses in developing operationally credible proposals, understanding navigation requirements and working through navigation-authority considerations.
Marinas & Boatyards
We can combine navigation and waterway expertise with specialist commercial input to support new developments, operational reviews and existing businesses seeking improved performance.
Inland Navigation Risk
We bring strategic waterway experience to restoration and regeneration projects, helping clients consider physical constraints, deliverability, navigation, partnerships, wider benefits and long-term value.