A NATURE-BASED MULTIFUNCTIONAL ISLAND FOR COASTAL PROTECTION AND STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE SUEZ CANAL

Akram Soliman Elselmy, Wael Aly Kamel, Hossam Eldin Moghazi, Radwa Refat

Abstract


This study evaluates the performance of a lotus-shaped artificial island as a nature- based intervention for shoreline stabilization and sediment management in the Bitter Lakes section of the Suez Canal. Building on prior hydrodynamic modeling studies, the current work integrates geotechnical feasibility, long-term shoreline evolution, and cost-benefit analysis to assess the island’s multidisciplinary performance. Using the MIKE 21 FM and LITPACK numerical models, simulations showed that the proposed island could reduce wave heights by ~30% and vessel- induced current velocities by 30–40%, contributing to shoreline accretion of up to 6.5 meters per year. Sediment deposition increased in flow shadow zones, minimizing scouring and enhancing long-term stability. Geotechnical analysis of Bitter Lakes subsoil revealed weak silty clays, for which a composite ground improvement system—incorporating geotextiles and compacted fill— was proposed to ensure foundation stability. Economic modeling estimated annual dredging cost savings between $37.8 and $66.15 million, with an expected return on investment (ROI) in 5–7 years. While previous publications addressed the hydrodynamic effects of the island form (El Selmy et al., 2025), this study extends the assessment by integrating geotechnical design and economic performance into a unified feasibility framework. The findings confirm the viability of the lotus island as a scalable, cost-effective infrastructure intervention for sediment-prone, vessel- dominated waterways. 

Keywords


Artificial Islands, Nature-Based Solutions, Suez Canal, Coastal Erosion Mitigation, Hydrodynamic Modeling, Geo-Structural Feasibility, Sustainable Maritime Infrastructure.

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References


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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/MARLOG.2026.15.1.81

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Copyright (c) 2026 Akram Soliman Elselmy, Wael Aly Kamel, Hossam Eldin Moghazi, Radwa Refat

The International Maritime Transport and Logistics Journal (MARLOG)

E-ISSN: 2974-3141
P-ISSN: 2974-3133

Published by:

Academy Publishing Center (APC)

Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)

Alexandria, Egypt