Shoreline Protection

At Triton Dock and Marine, we are a licensed and experienced marine construction company focused on building Living Shoreline installations across Virginia and the surrounding areas. Our committed team of experts is here to collaborate with you in designing and implementing a tailored Living Shoreline solution that effectively protects your property while simultaneously enhancing the natural environment. Together, we can create a sustainable and thriving ecosystem along your waterfront.

Living Shoreline Variations:

Vegetation Only

Roots stabilize the soil to minimize erosion, offering a buffer to upland areas and mitigating the impact of small waves
Ideal for low wave energy environments
Materials used are native to the region

Edging

A structure designed to secure the base of an existing or vegetated slope, providing protection against shoreline erosion.
Ideal for most areas except for those with high wave activity
Material options include:
- Erosion control blankets
- Living reef – i.e. oyster/mussel
- Geotextile tubes
- Rock gabion cages

Sills

Positioned parallel to the existing or vegetated shoreline, it reduces wave energy and prevents erosion. A gapped design allows for habitat connectivity, increased tidal exchange, and improved waterfront access.
Ideal for most areas except for those with high wave activity
Material options include:
- Stone
- Sand breakwaters
- Living reef – i.e. oyster/mussel
- Rock gabion cages

Beach Nourishment Only

A large volume of sand is added from an external source to an eroding beach, which widens the beach and moves the shoreline seaward.
Suitable for low-lying oceanfront areas with existing sources of sand and sediment.
Additional benefits:
- Expands usable beach area
- Reduced environmental impact

Beach Nourishment & Vegetation On Dune

Effectively anchors sand and creates a vital buffer that safeguards inland areas from the destructive forces of waves, flooding, and erosion.
Suitable for low-lying oceanfront areas with existing sources of sand and sediment.
Sand and vegetation is used with the option to strengthen the dunes with geotextiles tubes or rocky core
Additional benefits:
- Expands usable beach area
- Reduced environmental impact
- Vegetation significantly fortifies dunes, greatly enhancing their ability to withstand and recover from storm events

Triton Dock & Marine offers comprehensive services from design and permitting all the way to placement. Our team has the expertise and experience to ensure meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a hassle-free installation process. With our advanced equipment, we can efficiently transport the necessary materials and effectively prepare the site for placement. This allows us to deliver a seamless experience for our clients, ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standard.

Additional Benefits and Information:

Offshore structures are built to break waves and lower their impact. They help sediment build up along the coast. These structures can float on water or be attached to the ocean floor. They can connect to the shore or be separate from it and can be designed as continuous walls or as separate sections. A gapped design allows for better habitat connections, more tidal flow, and easier access to the waterfront.
Most areas, especially those near marinas, benefit from breakwaters, except for areas that experience high wave activity. Breakwaters reduce erosion, flooding, and damage from waves, making our coastal areas safer.
Material options: ⦁ Grout-filled fabric bags ⦁ Armorstone ⦁ Pre-cast concrete blocks ⦁ Wood ⦁ Rock ⦁ Living reef - i.e. oyster/mussel

Additional Benefits and Information:

The structure extends from the shoreline, effectively intercepting water flow and sand to prevent beach erosion and lessen wave impact. It also helps retain strategically placed sand, ensuring the long-term stability of our coastal environment and safeguarding inland areas. This approach is vital for preserving our beautiful shorelines for future generations.
Ideal for coordination with beach nourishment
Material options: ⦁ Concrete/stone rubble ⦁ Timber ⦁ Metal sheet piles

Additional Benefits & Information:

Revetments are commonly used along shorelines to protect the slope from erosion caused by waves and other water movement. They can be made from various materials, including rocks, concrete, or geotextiles, and are designed to absorb and deflect the energy of incoming waves, thereby stabilizing the shoreline and preserving the integrity of the land. Additionally, revetments can help maintain habitats and promote sediment deposition, contributing to a healthier coastal ecosystem.
Ideally placed along shorelines, riverbanks, embankments, lakes, and reservoirs
Material Options: Stone rubble; Concrete blocks; Cast concrete slabs; Sand/concrete filled bags; Gabion cages

Additional Benefits & Information:

Bulkheads are vertical retaining walls constructed parallel to the shoreline, specifically designed to hold soil in place and ensure a stable shoreline. They play a vital role not only in preventing coastal erosion, but protecting the land behind it and the ecosystem that is reliant on a stable shoreline.
Marine construction bulkheads are ideally suited for areas along protected shorelines, such as marina basins, where it’s essential to establish a clear separation between land and water. They are particularly effective in locations with high wave action, providing protection against soil erosion and helping to stabilize shorelines near beaches, lakes, and rivers. This ensures both safety and preservation of the waterfront areas.
Material options: Steel sheet piles; Wood; Concrete; Vinyl; Gabion baskets

Additional Benefits & Information:

Seawalls are structures that run parallel to the shoreline and can be constructed either vertically or with a slope. The soil on one side of the seawall maintains the same elevation as the water on the other side. Their primary function is to absorb and reduce the impact of large waves while directing water flow away from the land. This helps in protecting the shoreline from erosion and other potential damage caused by the sea.
Ideal for areas with high wave activity
Material options: Vinyl Sheet/Piling; Pressure treated wood; Concrete; Stone (also known as Rip-rap)