Introduction:

Port engineering design defines the technical and institutional foundation through which maritime infrastructure is planned, structured, and governed. It frames how ports function as integrated systems linking marine environments, land infrastructure, logistics flows, and regulatory controls. This training program presents the core engineering frameworks, design logics, and planning structures that underpin modern port development. It provides structured insight into the principles, classifications, and system relationships that shape port engineering design as a professional discipline.

Program Objectives:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

Analyze the foundational principles governing port engineering design systems.
Classify port types and functional components within engineering frameworks.
Examine the relationship between maritime conditions and port layout structures.
Explore the technical interfaces between port infrastructure elements.
Evaluate the role of standards, codes, and governance in port engineering design.

Target Audience:

Port engineers and technical planners.
Civil and marine engineering professionals.
Infrastructure and transport development specialists.
Port authority technical staff.
Engineering consultants involved in maritime projects.

Program Outline:

Unit 1:

Introduction to Port Engineering as a Discipline:

• The scope of port engineering within maritime infrastructure systems.

• Historical evolution of port engineering design approaches.

• Core engineering domains influencing port development.

• The role of ports in global transport and trade systems.

• Interfaces between engineering design and port operations.

Unit 2:

Classification of Ports and Harbors:

• Functional port typologies and their engineering implications.

• Natural versus artificial harbor characteristics.

• Commercial, industrial, and specialized port categories.

• Engineering considerations linked to port size and capacity.

• Strategic positioning of ports within transport corridors.

Unit 3:

Port Layout and Master Planning Concepts:

• Spatial planning structures in port engineering design.

• Zoning logic for marine and landside areas.

• Relationships between terminals, channels, and support zones.

• Long term planning horizons in port master plans.

• Constraints influencing layout configuration decisions.

Unit 4:

Marine Environment and Design Conditions:

• Oceanographic and meteorological factors affecting port design.

• Wave, tide, and current characteristics in engineering assessments.

• Seabed conditions and marine geology considerations.

• Environmental loading effects on port structures.

• Design sensitivity to climate and seasonal variations.

Unit 5:

Navigation Channels and Access Systems:

• Engineering logic of navigation channel design.

• Depth, width, and alignment parameters.

• Vessel characteristics influencing access requirements.

• Safety margins and clearance concepts.

• Integration of navigation systems within port layouts.

Unit 6:

Breakwaters and Coastal Protection Structures:

• Functional role of breakwaters in port safety.

• Structural types and configuration principles.

• Wave attenuation and energy dissipation concepts.

• Interface between breakwaters and harbor basins.

• Long term performance considerations of protection systems.

Unit 7:

Berthing Structures and Waterfront Engineering:

• Classification of quay walls, jetties, and piers.

• Load transfer mechanisms in waterfront structures.

• Structural interaction between vessels and berthing systems.

• Alignment and spacing logic along the waterfront.

• Operational implications of berthing design choices.

Unit 8:

Landside Infrastructure and Port Connectivity:

• Road, rail, and internal circulation frameworks.

• Functional zoning of storage and handling areas.

• Interface between marine and landside engineering systems.

• Capacity alignment between access and terminal areas.

• Spatial efficiency considerations in port land use.

Unit 9:

Design Standards and Engineering Codes:

• International standards governing port engineering design.

• Classification society guidelines and technical references.

• National regulatory frameworks affecting port projects.

• Safety, reliability, and durability requirements.

• Documentation structures supporting engineering compliance.

Unit 10:

Governance and Institutional Context of Port Engineering:

• Roles of port authorities and regulatory bodies.

• Decision hierarchies in port engineering projects.

• Engineering accountability within governance systems.

• Integration of technical design within institutional strategies.

• Coordination between engineering, policy, and planning functions.

Fundamentals of Port Engineering Design