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LNEC is developing the COASTLIFE – Upgrade of coastal and port structures to promote coastal resilience, ecological enhancement, and community connection with the waterfront project, which started in June 2025. Coordinated at LNEC by Eng. Ana Mendonça, from the Ports and Maritime Structures Division (NPE), the project benefits from the contribution of the NPE team, comprising Eng. Rute Lemos, Eng. Gabriel Silva, Eng. Rui Capitão, Eng. Rui Reis, and Eng. Juana Fortes.

With a total investment of approximately €250,000, co-financed by FCT, Lisboa 2030, Portugal 2030, and the European Union, the project aims to develop, test, and assess innovative hybrid solutions that simultaneously strengthen coastal protection, enhance biodiversity, and foster stronger connections between communities and the coastline.

Main areas of work
✔️ Development of innovative coastal solutions that promote biodiversity
✔️ Implementation and monitoring of solutions at the Cova do Vapor pilot site in Almada
✔️ Assessment of their hydraulic and environmental performance
✔️ Development of guidelines for future coastal interventions

COASTLIFE is a partnership between institutions with complementary areas of expertise:

• National Laboratory for Civil Engineering, I.P., LNEC
• Instituto Superior Técnico Association for      Research and Development, IST.ID
• Association for Research and Development of Sciences – Centre for      Marine and Environmental Sciences, MARE/FCIENCIAS.ID
• Faculty of Architecture, University of      Lisbon, FA-UL
• ECOncrete, as a consultant

The implementation of COASTLIFE on the ground has been made possible through the involvement and support of several entities, which have provided technical, financial, and institutional support, namely:

• Teixeira Duarte, Engineering and      Construction
• Port of Lisbon Administration
• Almada City Council
• Ports of the Azores
• Regional Laboratory for Civil Engineering of Madeira

The implementation of the Cova do Vapor pilot site is the result of the joint efforts of several entities.

During this first year, Teixeira Duarte has played a key role through its significant financial support for the production, transportation, and installation of the blocks. ECOncrete contributed by providing the Coastalock blocks used in the intervention. The Port of Lisbon Administration and Almada City Council have been essential partners in the implementation of the activities on site.

COASTLIFE reinforces LNEC’s commitment to innovation and the sustainable enhancement of coastal areas, fostering a closer connection between science, territory, and communities.

Learn more HERE.