Arash Bakhtiari

Arash

Coasts & Estuaries Product Manager

Arash Bakhtiari holds a PhD in Civil Engineering and is a marine expert specializing in coastal and estuarine morpho- and hydrodynamics.
Contact Arash Bakhtiari

Coasts & Estuaries

The world’s coastlines are facing unprecedented pressures due to the accelerating impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms, and rapid coastal erosion are reshaping shorelines and threatening both vulnerable ecosystems and critical human infrastructure. These evolving challenges demand integrated and science-based solutions. At IMDC, we combine advanced scientific understanding with proven engineering expertise to design and implement sustainable, data-driven strategies for coastal and estuarine management. Our work focuses on enhancing resilience, protecting communities and assets, and preserving natural coastal dynamics through innovative modeling, monitoring, and adaptive planning tailored to site-specific conditions.

Through advanced numerical modelling, empirical analysis, and physical testing, our experts assess hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes from erosion and sedimentation, wave transformation, overtopping, and flooding to design resilient and adaptive shorelines. 

This expertise allows the Coast & Estuaries team to offer a complete range of services under five key domains:.

  1. Climate Adaptation and Integrated Planning 
  2. Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment and Resilience Design 
  3. Coastal Engineering and Hybrid Protection Solutions 
  4. Estuarine Systems Engineering & Adaptive Management 
  5. Enhancing Resilience of Coastal and Estuarian Assets & Infrastructure

1. Climate-Smart Adaptation & Integrated Coastal Management.

IMDC helps clients develop proactive adaptation strategies aligned with evolving climate, social, and regulatory conditions. We combine engineering design with long-term spatial planning to prepare coastal systems for future sea-level rise, stronger storms, and ecological change. Our services include: 

  • Climate risk and vulnerability assessments
  • Adaptation pathway development and coastal master planning
  • Integration of Nature-Based Solutions (e.g., dunes, wetlands, mangroves)
  • Adaptive management frameworks linked to monitoring indicators 
We combine science and design to create adaptation strategies that are feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable.

Example projects: Kustvisie (Belgium).

2. Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment & Resilience Design.

IMDC conducts comprehensive hazard and risk assessments to quantify exposure and vulnerability to flooding, coastal erosion, storm surges, and compound hydrometeorological events. Using coupled hydrodynamic, wave, morphological, and rainfall-runoff models, we simulate multi-source flooding and shoreline evolution to identify system weaknesses and evaluate adaptation strategies. Our services include:

  • Flood, storm surge, and coastal erosion modelling and mapping
  • Early-warning systems and decision-support tools
  • Risk zoning and cost–benefit analysis of mitigation measures
  • Design of flood and erosion defences and evacuation plans
  • Technical support for emergency preparedness and disaster response 

IMDC delivers actionable insights and resilient design solutions that help clients reduce physical, environmental, and socio-economic risks.

Example projects: MOSCI (Belgium), PPRL studies (France).

3. Coastal Engineering & Hybrid Protection Solutions

IMDC provides end-to-end coastal engineering services—from site investigations and concept design to detailed design and construction support. We develop both hard and soft protection measures, optimising the balance between performance, sustainability, and adaptability. Our expertise includes: 

  • Design of seawalls, breakwaters, groynes, and revetments
  • Dune rehabilitation, beach nourishment, and nearshore berms
  • Numerical and physical modelling of waves, sediment, and morphology
  • Harbour and coastal structure design, including scour assessment
  • Integration of hybrid (grey–green) solutions and eco-engineering concepts 

By merging engineering and ecology, IMDC delivers coastal protection that is durable, flexible, and sustainable.

Example projects: Elmina (Ghana); Blankenberge-Wenduine (Belgium); Ada (Ghana);.

4. Estuarine Systems Engineering & Adaptive Management.

Estuaries are complex and dynamic transition zones where freshwater, tides, and sediment interact. IMDC applies advanced modelling and system-based management to maintain both ecological function and economic use. Our services include:

  • Sediment management and beneficial use of dredged material
  • Morphological modelling and estuarine system dynamics
  • Design of tidal restoration and wetland creation projects
  • Flood and tidal risk mitigation strategies
  • Water quality and ecological habitat enhancement

IMDC’s multidisciplinary team supports estuary authorities, port managers, and environmental agencies in achieving balanced, adaptive management of estuarine systems.

Example projects: Western Scheldt (Belgium & Netherlands).

© Rijkswaterstaat | Joop van Houdt

5. Enhancing Resilience of Coastal & Estuarine Infrastructure.

As climate pressures and population growth intensify, the resilience of coastal infrastructure becomes critical. IMDC helps clients design and retrofit assets to withstand and recover from hydrodynamic and climatic stresses. Our services cover:

  • Structural resilience assessments and life-cycle design optimisation
  • Integration of real-time monitoring and digital twins for asset management
  • Development of resilience indicators and decision-support frameworks
  • Multi-layered defence design combining infrastructure, planning, and ecosystems 

These services enable operators, planners, and developers to secure long-term functionality and safety of ports, seawalls, flood defences, and urban waterfronts.

Example projects: RISCKIT (EU), West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA, West Africa.).