The RNLI wished to update the lifeboat and facilities at Douglas, Isle of Man. The proposed location for the new berth was exposed to significant wave activity, particularly during winter, so wave calming devices were required to provide an acceptable level of risk for operation of the new all-weather lifeboat.

ABPmer was asked to help optimise the scheme by assessing the wave climate of the proposed berth location.

We developed a conceptual understanding of the hydrodynamic processes operating within the study area. We then built a wave model to generate hindcasts to derive extreme wave climate.

Our harbour wave disturbance modelling determined the effects of wave attenuation (calming) options and provided information to aid optimal design for the safe access of crew to the lifeboat.

The planning application was submitted in 2017.