Marine construction shapes vibrant waterfront living—whether you’re picturing a small residential dock or a robust seawall protecting entire communities. Nearly 40% of the U.S. population lives in coastal counties (NOAA), highlighting just how critical resilient coastal infrastructure has become.

With 35+ years serving Palm Beach and Martin County, Marine Construction, Inc. delivers expert solutions for every stakeholder—from engineers and project managers to homeowners and investors.

Explore the types of marine construction that keep our coasts strong and discover why working with experienced marine contractors near you matters.

What Is Marine Construction?

Marine construction is the design and building of structures in, on, or adjacent to water—including oceans, inlets, the Intracoastal Waterway, canals, rivers, and lakes.

Typical projects include:

Docks, piers, and marinas
Seawalls, bulkheads, riprap, and revetments
Boat lifts and pile-supported platforms
Breakwaters, jetties, and coastal protection structures
Dredging, cofferdams, and foundations for bridges and causeways

Unlike standard land-based construction, marine projects must handle:

Tidal forces & wave energy
Scour and erosion
Saltwater corrosion and marine borers
Complex environmental and regulatory compliance

Because of these challenges, working with an experienced marine contractor is critical. At Marine Construction Inc., we’re a full-service, locally owned, veteran-owned marine contractor handling everything from engineering and design to permitting, building, and long-term maintenance for waterfront construction across Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

Types of Marine Construction

1. Dock Construction

Fixed/Stationary Docks: These docks are built on pilings driven deep into the seabed, offering stable, durable platforms ideal for commercial and residential use. Materials typically include pressure-treated lumber, concrete, and composites.
Floating Docks: Designed to rise and fall with water levels, floating docks are perfect for tidal or fluctuating water bodies; however, they may require more maintenance.
Pipe Docks: A cost-effective and modular solution, pipe docks are lightweight and easy to assemble, often used seasonally or in moderate water conditions.
Pile-Supported Platforms: These are heavy-duty structures deployed in commercial marinas and ports, capable of supporting significant weight and vessel traffic.
Construction Process & Cost: From site evaluation and permitting to installation, dock building involves careful planning. Costs vary widely based on materials and complexity.

Pro Tip: A recent project in Palm Beach showcased how Marine Construction, Inc. custom-built a fixed dock that blends durability with aesthetic appeal, earning high praise from the homeowner.

2. Seawall Construction

Seawalls protect waterfront property from erosion and flooding while enhancing land value. Common types include vertical, curved/stepped, gravity, and bulkheads. Materials range from concrete and steel to vinyl and composites.

Proper construction and ongoing maintenance are fundamental, as is compliance with Florida’s regulatory environment. A notable seawall project by Marine Construction, Inc. protected a beachfront community during recent storms, reducing damage significantly.

3. Piers, Jetties, and Wharves

Used for commercial and recreational purposes, piers extend perpendicular from shore, allowing boat access. Jetties stabilize channels and protect harbors from sediment buildup, while wharves serve as docking platforms parallel to shore for loading/unloading vessels. Structural design accounts for wave forces and load demands.

4. Breakwaters and Coastal Protection

Breakwaters reduce wave energy before it reaches shore, protecting harbors and reducing erosion. Types include rubble mound, vertical wall, and floating breakwaters. Material choice depends on site conditions and environmental considerations.

5. Riprap and Revetments

Riprap involves sloping shorelines with loose stone to absorb wave energy, providing a natural-looking, flexible erosion control alternative to seawalls. Common applications include streambanks and embankments.

6. Marine Piling

Piles provide a stable foundation by transferring structural loads deep into the seabed. Common installation methods include impact driving and vibratory techniques, using timber, steel, concrete, or composite materials. Proper piling is critical for the longevity of docks, piers, and seawalls.

7. Dredging

Dredging maintains navigable waterways by removing sediment build-up, as well as deepening basins or creating new land. Equipment ranges from hydraulic to mechanical dredges, with environmental measures crucial during operations.

8. Boat Lift Installation

Boat lifts raise vessels out of the water to prevent hull damage and marine growth. Options include vertical lifts, floating lifts, and hydraulic systems. Installation considers boat size, dock compatibility, and maintenance needs.

9. Specialized Marine Construction

Marinas, boardwalks, causeways, bridges, and cofferdams involve unique engineering challenges and require adherence to environmental and regulatory standards, often integrating land and marine construction techniques.

Key Considerations in Marine Construction

Permits and Regulations

Permits are mandatory in Florida for marine projects, encompassing local building permits, state environmental approvals, and federal authorizations. Compliance with safety and habitat protection standards is crucial to avoid delays and fines.

Environmental Considerations

Construction must protect marine habitats through sustainable practices and minimize environmental impact during both construction and operation phases.

Site Assessment and Material Selection

Water depth, substrate type, wave exposure, and saltwater corrosion dictate material choices and construction methods, favoring marine-grade, long-lasting components.

Project Costs and Financing

Costs reflect project scale, materials, labor, permitting, and site conditions. Transparent budgeting and financing options help manage expenditures.

Choosing the Right Marine Contractor

Select contractors with robust licensing, insurance, local expertise, comprehensive service offerings, and strong track records. Vet references and testimonials carefully.

Maintenance and Longevity of Marine Structures

Even the best-built structures need regular care—especially in a harsh saltwater environment.

Routine maintenance tasks:

Docks – Inspect decking and fasteners, reseal wood, check pile wraps or caps
Seawalls – Look for cracking, settlement, or soil loss behind the wall; monitor caps and tie-backs
Boat lifts – Lubricate moving parts, inspect cables or belts, check motors and controls

Damage prevention tips:

Don’t overload docks or platforms beyond design capacity
Use proper bumpers and fenders to avoid impact damage from boats
Manage runoff and irrigation near seawalls to reduce hydrostatic pressure

Seasonal & annual recommendations:

Pre-storm season inspections for docks, lifts, and seawalls
Post-storm assessments after significant weather events
Annual or biannual professional maintenance checks

Marine Construction, Inc. also offers marine maintenance services—from dock sealing to boat lift repairs—so your investment continues performing year after year.

Conclusion

Marine construction types each serve vital roles in waterfront living and coastal protection. Engaging experienced professionals like Marine Construction, Inc. ensures compliance, durability, and quality. Contact Marine Construction, Inc. today for expert consultation and reliable marine contracting services tailored to your needs.

Don’t wait until coastal challenges affect your property—partner with Marine Construction, Inc., your trusted local marine contractor, to safeguard and enhance your waterfront investment. Reach out now for a free project evaluation and start building with confidence.

FAQ’s

Q1: What are the main types of marine construction projects?

A: These include docks, seawalls, piers, breakwaters, marinas, dredging, and specialized structures like bridges and offshore platforms.

Q2: Do I need permits for docks or seawalls?

A: Yes, permits are usually required at local, state, and federal levels to ensure safety and environmental protection.

Q3: What materials are typically used in marine construction?

A: Marine-grade concrete, steel, treated timber, composites, and vinyl are common materials selected for durability and resistance.

Q4: How long does a typical marine construction project take?

A: Timelines range from a few weeks for small docks to several months or more for large commercial or protective structures.

Q5: What are the common challenges in marine construction?

A: Challenges include environmental regulations, erosion control, tidal forces, weather interruptions, and accessing difficult sites.

Q6: How do I find a reliable marine construction contractor?

A: Look for licensed, insured contractors with local experience, strong client testimonials, and comprehensive service capabilities.

What Are the Different Types of Marine Construction?