A highlight of our presence at this year’s SIBS will be a special talk by Jess Allen, a PhD student from Plymouth University, who will be discussing the ecological advantages of the award-winning Living Seawalls.
Living Seawalls is a Sydney-based company that designs modular panels that mimic foreshore and intertidal habitats and can be affixed to harbour walls and marinas, earning the company a trove of awards for design, innovation and biodiversity – and was also named finalist for Prince William’s prestigious Earthshot Prize.
Living Seawalls represents a radical shift in coastal protection, actively reviving marine habitats by creating a haven for invertebrates, seaweeds, small fish and other marine fauna on the concrete infrastructures that form the foundations of many ports and harbours across the UK and Ireland.
“Ecological engineering is a way of encouraging biodiversity back onto our artificial coastlines,” says Jess. “When used effectively, it can bridge the gap between our human requirements of the coast and the requirements of our local ecosystems.”
Partnering with Living Seawalls in 2023, we now manufacture the panels from our recycled marine-grade concrete, helping to create a symbiotic relationship between the coastal infrastructure we create and the natural environment.
By repurposing waste into construction material for Living Seawalls, we not only reduce our ecological footprint but also demonstrate a commitment to circular economy principles. This eco-friendly approach is a testament to our dedication to sustainability at every stage of the production cycle.
We’re incredibly proud to support innovative projects like Living Seawalls that redefine how we interact with our coastlines,” says Oliver Shortall, Managing Director of ICMS. “By combining cutting-edge ecological engineering with sustainable construction, we’re not just protecting marine environments, we’re actively helping to regenerate them. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to creating greener, more resilient coastal infrastructure for future generations.”
Between 17-19 September at the show, Jess will be available to chat at the Inland and Coastal stand J150 within the TYHA Find a Marina section in Ocean Hall, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with her on innovative eco engineering solutions, specifically Living Seawalls and how these bespoke concrete panels can help create natural habitats that promote and sustain precious marine life.
Thirsty work
Following its success at last year’s show, we invite all stand holders and visiting marine professionals to join us at our stand from 4:00 to 5:00 PM daily for a complimentary Guinness. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, network and discuss the latest trends in marina development with the team.
To find out more about Living Seawalls and discuss the potential solutions on offer, or to arrange a free site visit, email sales@inlandandcoastal.com
