Join us at ICE Breakwaters 2027 – the pre-eminent conference for the global marine and coastal engineering community.
Where theory meets practice: connecting knowledge and experience
The ICE will hold its next Coasts, Marine Structures and Breakwaters conference in Edinburgh, on 22-24 September 2027.
Serving the coastal and marine engineering sector since 1982, Breakwaters is the leading global event for experts in the field to share new knowledge. It has been influential in shaping the industry over the years, with outcomes including guidance documents that have become standard practice manuals.
Previous editions of the conference have showcased more than 100 papers, attracting 400-plus delegates from 40 nations.
The 2027 event’s themes will include structural resilience, design and adaptation; construction methods, plant and temporary works; climate change; changing coastlines and practices; and the development and application of new technologies and techniques.
What makes Breakwaters special
This conference is distinguished by its depth of technical scrutiny and its focus on the practical application of emerging insights and innovations.
Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that only the most insightful papers are presented. A highly experienced organising committee will review all abstracts and select the best submissions.
The event brings together industry representatives from around the world, attracting clients, contractors and consultants along with eminent academics and government policy-makers.
Focusing on the implications of climate change for coastal and maritime infrastructure, Breakwaters offers deep insights into how engineers can respond with resilient, sustainable solutions.
It highlights the latest innovations, including advances in AI, computational fluid dynamics and data capture.
Key conference topics
The event will feature presentations on a wide range of topics. These include:
- Breakwaters – rubble mound, armour units, caissons, hybrid structures.
- Ports, marinas, harbours, terminals – quays, piers and jetties.
- Waterfront developments.
- Seawalls and other shoreline structures.
- Coastal risk – erosion, flooding, shoreline change.
- Shoreline features – beaches, dunes, saltmarshes, cliffs.
- Oceanographic, coastal and estuarine processes.
- Dredging and the use of dredged materials.
- Nature-inclusive hybrid solutions.
- Tidal and wave power.
- Dikes and storm surge barriers.
Selected highlights
- A fantastic venue in Edinburgh – a coastal city with a proud maritime heritage, particularly through its historic Port of Leith.
- The opportunity to learn from a wide range of expert practitioners and leading researchers.
- Innovation spotlight talks and a lively poster area showcasing ground-breaking work by SMEs, start-ups and students.
- A vibrant exhibition and networking space featuring key suppliers in the marine engineering sector.
- Numerous international case studies and project deep dives.
- An interactive practical workshop session (optional).
- A visit to a local site of engineering interest (optional).