Strengthening for Marine Structures
Strengthening marine assets to meet today’s challenges
When repair alone isn’t enough, structural strengthening can restore or improve the load-bearing capacity of marine infrastructure, from jetties and sea walls to lock gates and wharfs. These assets are increasingly challenged by larger vessels, stricter safety standards, and evolving usage demands.
VSL delivers tailored strengthening solutions adapted to the harsh marine environment. Whether made of concrete, steel, or composite materials, we enhance structural resilience while minimizing disruption to operations and marine traffic.
Our strengthening solutions for marine structures
Apply controlled forces to support decks, walls or piers under increased loads or fatigue conditions.
Strengthen piers, beams or piles with concrete or steel jackets to improve stability and confinement.
Install lightweight carbon or glass fiber systems for localized strengthening, corrosion resistance, and easy application in hard-to-reach areas.
Use pre-deformed specialist alloy bars to induce an active tensile load, either embedded within a concrete repair area or applied externally to the structural member.
Strengthen footings and piles via underpinning, micro-piles, or shrouding, tailored to soil and tidal conditions.
Apply ultra-high-performance concrete to restore and enhance structural capacity of marine slabs and decks, with high durability against chloride ingress and abrasion.
Why choose VSL for the strengthening of your marine structure?
Durable materials for marine exposure
We use certified systems designed to resist chlorides, abrasion, and moisture, ensuring long-lasting performance.Custom engineering
Our solutions are tailored to structural condition, operational needs, and access constraints. No one-size-fits-all.Minimal disruption
We coordinate closely with asset owners and port operators to plan works that avoid interruption to marine traffic and operations.
FAQ about the strengthening of marine structures
When structural capacity is insufficient due to deterioration, new loads, or code updates, or when extending the asset’s life is more cost-effective than rebuilding.
Yes. Many techniques can be implemented during live operation, with appropriate access and safety systems.
We use high-durability materials such as stainless steel, UHPFRC, corrosion-resistant FRP, and marine-grade PT systems.