Sea defence contractors
We are the UK’s specialist national contractor for earthmoving, crushing and recycling, and sea and coastal defence works.
We are trusted sea defence contractors, delivering specialist coastal protection works across the UK
OEC delivers specialist sea defence and coastal engineering works to help protect shorelines, communities and critical infrastructure from erosion, wave action and flooding. With decades of experience, we provide the plant, experienced operators and practical expertise needed to support projects of varying scales.
As specialist sea defence contractors, we work alongside main contractors, civil engineering companies and local authorities to deliver complex sea defence works safely, efficiently and to specification. Our teams understand the demands of coastal environments, where tides, weather, ground conditions, site access and environmental constraints all influence how work is planned and delivered.
Our sea and coastal defence capabilities
Our work covers a broad range of sea defence, coastal protection and marine engineering activities, including:
- Rock armour placement and coastal protection
- Rock revetments, groynes, reefs and breakwaters
- Dredging and material redistribution
- Flood embankment construction and strengthening
- Marine demolition and removal of existing structures
- Landfall and outfall excavation and protection
- Cofferdam excavation and associated earthworks
- Coastal reclamation and managed realignment
- Post-construction works, reinstatement and reprofiling
We bring specialist capability and a practical approach to complex site requirements to support new sea defence structures, strengthen an existing coastline or deliver earthworks as part of a wider flood protection scheme.
Specialist plant for challenging coastal environments
Building long-lasting sea defences depends heavily on having the right equipment for the material, access and working conditions. We own and operate a modern, specialist fleet, supported by experienced operators and dedicated engineering teams.
Our capabilities include high-capacity excavators, long-reach machinery, low ground pressure bulldozers, articulated dump trucks and specialist rock-handling attachments.
This allows us to handle substantial volumes of material, place rock armour accurately and work in challenging environments, including soft ground, exposed shorelines and intertidal zones. Our teams plan operations around site conditions, access requirements and the sequence of work, helping clients coordinate complex coastal defence projects.
What clients can expect from us
Choosing the right coastal defence contractors means finding a team that understands both the technical demands of the work and the realities of delivering it on site. But how are we different?
- Specialist experience: Decades of experience delivering flood, coast and marine defence works.
- The right plant and people: Our own specialist equipment, operated by experienced personnel.
- Reliable delivery: Careful planning around tides, weather, site access and programme requirements.
- Practical expertise: Early input to identify buildability considerations, manage materials and plan efficient working methods.
- Environmental awareness: Experience working in sensitive coastal environments, with consideration for habitats, sediment management, material reuse and site-specific environmental requirements.
- A flexible approach: Working collaboratively with clients and adapting to changing site conditions.
Proven experience in sea defence construction
We have been delivering flood, coast and marine defence works for decades, with experience across major infrastructure projects and environmentally sensitive coastal locations.
Our project experience includes the Southsea Coastal Scheme, where we delivered major earthworks and sea defence works across multiple frontages. At Hengistbury Head in Bournemouth, we undertook underwater demolition works and helped reconstruct the Long Groyne to strengthen coastal protection. We have also delivered rock armour protection works following storm damage to the railway between Dover and Folkestone.
Folkestone Warren
Folkestone Warren
Frequently Asked Questions
Need to know more?
Sea defence contractors deliver construction and earthworks that help protect coastlines, infrastructure and communities from erosion, wave action and flooding. OEC supports projects involving rock armour, revetments, groynes, breakwaters, beach works, dredging, flood embankments and associated marine earthworks.
Yes. OEC has experience delivering major sea defence and coastal engineering packages, including work on the Southsea Coastal Scheme, Hengistbury Head and the Dover to Folkestone railway protection scheme.
Our specialist fleet includes high-capacity and long-reach excavators, low ground pressure bulldozers, articulated dump trucks and rock-handling attachments. The equipment selected depends on the work, material, access and conditions on site.
Yes. Our teams have experience working in intertidal zones and sensitive coastal environments. We plan activities around tidal windows, site conditions and relevant environmental requirements, working with project partners to manage risks and minimise unnecessary disturbance.
Yes. We offer early-stage buildability input to help clients and design teams consider practical construction methods, plant requirements, material use, access and programme constraints before work begins.
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