About
Coastal Engineer
Intercoastal Consulting
james@intercoastal.com.au
Summary
James Lewis, Director of Intercoastal Consulting, is a certified practicing civil engineer with over 15 years of experience specialising in coastal engineering throughout Australasia and across the Pacific. He has a broad knowledge of coastal protection design, integrated coastal management and surf amenity. James’s skills extend outside the office where he has led large-scale metocean deployments, analysing the data captured in the field to calibrate numerical models used to inform coastal design.
He has focussed the last 10 years of his career on working in Small Island Developing States (SIDs) in climate change adaptation, concerned primarily with developing climate-resilient coastal protection. James aspires to see the design phase through to implementation; having supported procurement, and contracting and undertaken construction supervision on large projects in remote locations. He aims to provide value and support through the complete project lifecycle including the social, financial and institutional aspects of these projects, endeavoring to understand the administrative, governmental and funding mechanisms specific to each country and community and their relation to the delivery of a successful project.
Using his knowledge of coastal engineering, the ocean and the environment, James’ primary endeavor is to assist coastal communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
He has focussed the last 10 years of his career on working in Small Island Developing States (SIDs) in climate change adaptation, concerned primarily with developing climate-resilient coastal protection. James aspires to see the design phase through to implementation; having supported procurement, and contracting and undertaken construction supervision on large projects in remote locations. He aims to provide value and support through the complete project lifecycle including the social, financial and institutional aspects of these projects, endeavoring to understand the administrative, governmental and funding mechanisms specific to each country and community and their relation to the delivery of a successful project.
Using his knowledge of coastal engineering, the ocean and the environment, James’ primary endeavor is to assist coastal communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Publications
Title: A national-scale probabilistic coastal flood hazard assessment for the atoll nation of Tuvalu Publisher: Earths Future Date published: Tue, 27/02/2024 - 12:00 Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023EF003924
Qualifications
Degree: Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Coastal) Period: 1998-2004 Status: Completed Education institution: Griffith Universiy Country: Australia
Language: English Reading: Excellent Speaking: Excellent Writing: Excellent Understanding: Excellent
Professional society: Engineers Australia Highest position held: Cetified Practising Engineer Period: 2024 -
Training: Advanced Diploma Project Management Period: 2010-2011 Status: Completed Education institution: Eductions Engineers Australia Country: Australia
Language: English Reading: Excellent Speaking: Excellent Writing: Excellent Understanding: Excellent
Professional society: Engineers Australia Highest position held: Cetified Practising Engineer Period: 2024 -
Training: Advanced Diploma Project Management Period: 2010-2011 Status: Completed Education institution: Eductions Engineers Australia Country: Australia
Work Experience
Project name: Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project Client: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Project period: Wed, 30/10/2019 - 12:00 - Wed, 31/12/2025 - 12:00 Position: Engineer Location: Tuvalu Deliverables The Government of Tuvalu (GoT) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) have jointly committed US$38 million for the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP). The project is aimed to build coastal resilience which is an urgent national priority. James was engaged by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to undertake the scoping, feasibility, concept and detailed design of coastal defence measures across three of Tuvalu’s most at-risk islands and to ensure the timely implementation of the coastal protection was performed to international standards whilst adhering to stringent UNDP and GCF environmental and safeguards practises. James’s engagement ensured that the construction works and associated processes were meticulously planned, implemented, monitored and adhere to best practices. The role involved detailed site investigation, stakeholder consultation, procurement and contract management and construction supervision of major dredging and reclamation work as well as the construction of coastal structures.
Project name: Guidance for managing coastal protection works in Pacific Island Countries Client: Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) / Asian Development Bank (ADB) Project period: Fri, 01/09/2023 - 12:00 - Wed, 31/01/2024 - 12:00 Position: Coastal Engineer Location: Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati Deliverables James collaborated with other coastal engineering experts specialising in Pacific Island Country (PIC_ coastal protection works to develop a guideline intended to provide a simple, yet robust method for monitoring coastal protection works in PICs. The guide includes consideration of condition, performance, and effects on community and environment as well as a decision-making framework for selection of an appropriate response.
Project name: Tuvalu Long-term Adaptation Project, L-TAP (Te Lafiga o Tuvalu) Client: Government of Tuvalu Project period: Sat, 01/10/2022 - 12:00 - Tue, 01/08/2023 - 12:00 Position: Coastal Engineer Location: Tuvalu Deliverables James was engaged by the Government of Tuvalu (GoT) to complete a preliminary engineering feasibility investigation of the Tuvalu Long Term Adaptation Plan (LTAP) concept design. The GoT developed a high-level coastal protection and land development concept design for the island of Fongafale as part of its long-term adaptation plan. Developed by experts in atoll development, earth sciences, engineering, as well as climate adaptation and resilience to be a tool to initiate dialogue and further studies, James investigated key engineering components of LTAP to ensure project feasibility, continuity and assist with funding discussions.
Project name: Fanga’uta Lagoon Crossing Project – Bathymetric Survey Client: Asian Development Bank (ADB) Project period: Thu, 01/10/2020 - 12:00 - Tue, 01/12/2020 - 12:00 Position: Metocean Engineer Location: Tongatapu, Tonga Deliverables James undertook a high-resolution Single Beam Echo Sound (SBES) survey at Fanga’uta Lagoon, Tongatapu, Tonga. The survey involved establishing RTK GPS base station and utilisation of local Tongan surveyors and vessels for the shallow lagoon crossing. Quality assurance and post-processing of the data was undertaken to international hydrography standards and was integrated to a wider topographic survey of the island. The survey was used to inform appropriate lagoon crossing locations for the ADB-funded project.
Project name: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Coastal Vulnerability Study Client: Western Australia Dept of Planning Project period: Mon, 01/01/2018 - 12:00 - Mon, 01/07/2019 - 12:00 Position: Metocean / Coastal Engineer Location: Cocos Keeling Island Deliverables James was part of the team that undertook a year long, large-scale metocean monitoring program used to inform a Coastal Adaptation Study of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The work included coastal processes assessments including numerical modelling, a coastal vulnerability assessment and adaptation options assessment. Extensive condition assessment of a wide array of coastal protection structures across the atolls lagoon and ocean shores. Adhering to the WA CHRMAP guidelines, inundation and coastal hazard maps were produced as well as a temporary coastal monitoring and management plan for this dynamic Indian Ocean atoll.
Project name: Tugun Seawall Design Client: City of Gold Coast Project period: Wed, 01/01/2020 - 12:00 - Sat, 01/08/2020 - 12:00 Position: Coastal Engineer Location: Gold Coast, Australia Deliverables James was part of the Bluecoast team which were engaged to undertake detailed design of a 250m stretch of buried rock seawall along one of the Gold Coast’s iconic beaches. The project involved cross-collaboration with hydraulic engineers as well as numerous City departments to ensure that the final design incorporated appropriate stormwater, road and Oceanway design elements within the framework of the City’s Ocean Beaches Strategy and ongoing CAPEX and OPEX budgets. Construction supervision ensured the seawall was built to design tolerances.
Project name: Tonga climate Resilience Sector Project: Hahake Seawall Suproject Client: Asian Development Bank Project period: Fri, 01/01/2016 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/10/2017 - 12:00 Position: Coastal Engineer Location: Kingdom of Tonga Deliverables James worked in his previous employment to complete the Hahake Seawall Subproject as part of the ADB-funded Tonga climate Resilience Sector Project (CRSP). He undertook extensive collation and assimilation of coastal and metocean data to determine coastal processes and vulnerability of certain sections of the Hahake Coast, Tongatapu. Condition assessments were undertaken of existing coastal structures as well high priority road infrastructure. Numerical modelling was then undertaken to quantify most vulnerable sections of the coastline and to determine design parameters for a suitable method of coastal protection. Appropriate coastal protection measures were then designed and specifications prepared for design & construct contracts for the market. James assisted in the tender selection process, contract administration and site supervision throughout the construction phase. The seawalls greatest test was faced in the 2020 Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai earthquake and tsunami. The seawall severd its purpose to protect the vital evacuation routes and remained one of the few coastal protection structures to remain intact.
Employment date: Wed, 01/09/2021 - 12:00 - Wed, 31/12/2025 - 12:00 Current: Yes Company: Intercoastal Consulting Position: Director / Coastal Engineer Location: Pacific Projects: Project date: Tue, 01/10/2019 - 12:00 - Wed, 31/12/2025 - 12:00 Location: Tuvalu Position: Coastal Engineer Title: Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project Description: The Government of Tuvalu (GoT) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) have jointly committed US$38 million for the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP). The project is aimed to build coastal resilience which is an urgent national priority. James was engaged by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to undertake the scoping, feasibility, concept and detailed design of coastal defence measures across three of Tuvalu’s most at-risk islands and to ensure the timely implementation of the coastal protection was performed to international standards whilst adhering to stringent UNDP and GCF environmental and safeguards practises. James’s engagement ensured that the construction works and associated processes were meticulously planned, implemented, monitored and adhere to best practices. The role involved detailed site investigation, stakeholder consultation, procurement and contract management and construction supervision of major dredging and reclamation work as well as the construction of coastal structures.
Employment date: Sun, 01/07/2018 - 12:00 - Sun, 03/10/2021 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Bluecoast Consulting Engineers Position: Director / Coastal Engineer Location: Australia / Pacific Projects: Project date: Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00 - Tue, 31/12/2019 - 12:00 Location: Albany, Western Australia Position: Coastal Engineer Title: City of Albany Artificial Surfing Reef Concept Design Description: James was responsible for the development of a feasibility study in response to the CoA’s desire to provide recreational surfing amenity at Middleton Beach, Albany through a proposed Artificial Surfing Reef (ASR). James managed a detailed technical analysis and numerical modelling study as well as delivering key design elements for infrastructure options for the client. The project also entailed a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process involving key community as well as local and state government representatives. James also led a metocean deployment campaign to verify numerical modelling outcomes and to aid in future development stages of the project.
Employment date: Tue, 01/07/2014 - 12:00 - Sat, 30/06/2018 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Royal HaskoningDHV Position: Coastal / Metocean Engineer Location: Australia Projects: Project date: Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00 - Tue, 31/12/2019 - 12:00 Location: Lau Group, Fiji Position: Coastal Engineer / Project Manager Title: Investigation and Design of Outer Island Jetties in Fiji Description: James led the coastal and environmental studies for the project. Detailed site investigations were undertaken in six outer islands of Fiji in order to inform the design of jetty infrastructure critical to the remote communities of Fiji. The investigations included comprehensive stakeholder engagement with local villagers, shipping operators, as well as government officials. Site investigations included condition assessments of coastal structures, deployment of water level and wave gauges as well as bathymetric surveys and rapid topographic survey with the use of drones. Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE) were undertaken as well as numerical modelling to inform the design of coastal and maritime structures
Employment date: Thu, 01/07/2010 - 12:00 - Tue, 31/12/2013 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Danish Hydraulic Institute (DHI) Position: Coastal Engineer Location: Australia Projects: Project date: Sun, 01/07/2012 - 12:00 - Sun, 30/06/2013 - 12:00 Location: Kimberley Region, Northern Western Australia Position: Metocean Engineer Title: Kimberley Aquaculture Zone - metocean monitoring & Numericasl Modelling Description: James was responsible for the development of a comprehensive field deployment campaign in the remote Kimberley region of North-Western Australia. James had to solve complex deployment logistics of a number of metocean monitoring devices in a highly volatile environment as Project Field Manager
Area of expertise: Coastal Engineering Experience: 180
Area of expertise: Project Management Experience: 120
Area of expertise: Numerical Modelling Experience: 160
Area of expertise: Metocean Engineering Experience: 180
Project name: Guidance for managing coastal protection works in Pacific Island Countries Client: Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) / Asian Development Bank (ADB) Project period: Fri, 01/09/2023 - 12:00 - Wed, 31/01/2024 - 12:00 Position: Coastal Engineer Location: Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati Deliverables James collaborated with other coastal engineering experts specialising in Pacific Island Country (PIC_ coastal protection works to develop a guideline intended to provide a simple, yet robust method for monitoring coastal protection works in PICs. The guide includes consideration of condition, performance, and effects on community and environment as well as a decision-making framework for selection of an appropriate response.
Project name: Tuvalu Long-term Adaptation Project, L-TAP (Te Lafiga o Tuvalu) Client: Government of Tuvalu Project period: Sat, 01/10/2022 - 12:00 - Tue, 01/08/2023 - 12:00 Position: Coastal Engineer Location: Tuvalu Deliverables James was engaged by the Government of Tuvalu (GoT) to complete a preliminary engineering feasibility investigation of the Tuvalu Long Term Adaptation Plan (LTAP) concept design. The GoT developed a high-level coastal protection and land development concept design for the island of Fongafale as part of its long-term adaptation plan. Developed by experts in atoll development, earth sciences, engineering, as well as climate adaptation and resilience to be a tool to initiate dialogue and further studies, James investigated key engineering components of LTAP to ensure project feasibility, continuity and assist with funding discussions.
Project name: Fanga’uta Lagoon Crossing Project – Bathymetric Survey Client: Asian Development Bank (ADB) Project period: Thu, 01/10/2020 - 12:00 - Tue, 01/12/2020 - 12:00 Position: Metocean Engineer Location: Tongatapu, Tonga Deliverables James undertook a high-resolution Single Beam Echo Sound (SBES) survey at Fanga’uta Lagoon, Tongatapu, Tonga. The survey involved establishing RTK GPS base station and utilisation of local Tongan surveyors and vessels for the shallow lagoon crossing. Quality assurance and post-processing of the data was undertaken to international hydrography standards and was integrated to a wider topographic survey of the island. The survey was used to inform appropriate lagoon crossing locations for the ADB-funded project.
Project name: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Coastal Vulnerability Study Client: Western Australia Dept of Planning Project period: Mon, 01/01/2018 - 12:00 - Mon, 01/07/2019 - 12:00 Position: Metocean / Coastal Engineer Location: Cocos Keeling Island Deliverables James was part of the team that undertook a year long, large-scale metocean monitoring program used to inform a Coastal Adaptation Study of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The work included coastal processes assessments including numerical modelling, a coastal vulnerability assessment and adaptation options assessment. Extensive condition assessment of a wide array of coastal protection structures across the atolls lagoon and ocean shores. Adhering to the WA CHRMAP guidelines, inundation and coastal hazard maps were produced as well as a temporary coastal monitoring and management plan for this dynamic Indian Ocean atoll.
Project name: Tugun Seawall Design Client: City of Gold Coast Project period: Wed, 01/01/2020 - 12:00 - Sat, 01/08/2020 - 12:00 Position: Coastal Engineer Location: Gold Coast, Australia Deliverables James was part of the Bluecoast team which were engaged to undertake detailed design of a 250m stretch of buried rock seawall along one of the Gold Coast’s iconic beaches. The project involved cross-collaboration with hydraulic engineers as well as numerous City departments to ensure that the final design incorporated appropriate stormwater, road and Oceanway design elements within the framework of the City’s Ocean Beaches Strategy and ongoing CAPEX and OPEX budgets. Construction supervision ensured the seawall was built to design tolerances.
Project name: Tonga climate Resilience Sector Project: Hahake Seawall Suproject Client: Asian Development Bank Project period: Fri, 01/01/2016 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/10/2017 - 12:00 Position: Coastal Engineer Location: Kingdom of Tonga Deliverables James worked in his previous employment to complete the Hahake Seawall Subproject as part of the ADB-funded Tonga climate Resilience Sector Project (CRSP). He undertook extensive collation and assimilation of coastal and metocean data to determine coastal processes and vulnerability of certain sections of the Hahake Coast, Tongatapu. Condition assessments were undertaken of existing coastal structures as well high priority road infrastructure. Numerical modelling was then undertaken to quantify most vulnerable sections of the coastline and to determine design parameters for a suitable method of coastal protection. Appropriate coastal protection measures were then designed and specifications prepared for design & construct contracts for the market. James assisted in the tender selection process, contract administration and site supervision throughout the construction phase. The seawalls greatest test was faced in the 2020 Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai earthquake and tsunami. The seawall severd its purpose to protect the vital evacuation routes and remained one of the few coastal protection structures to remain intact.
Employment date: Wed, 01/09/2021 - 12:00 - Wed, 31/12/2025 - 12:00 Current: Yes Company: Intercoastal Consulting Position: Director / Coastal Engineer Location: Pacific Projects: Project date: Tue, 01/10/2019 - 12:00 - Wed, 31/12/2025 - 12:00 Location: Tuvalu Position: Coastal Engineer Title: Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project Description: The Government of Tuvalu (GoT) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) have jointly committed US$38 million for the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP). The project is aimed to build coastal resilience which is an urgent national priority. James was engaged by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to undertake the scoping, feasibility, concept and detailed design of coastal defence measures across three of Tuvalu’s most at-risk islands and to ensure the timely implementation of the coastal protection was performed to international standards whilst adhering to stringent UNDP and GCF environmental and safeguards practises. James’s engagement ensured that the construction works and associated processes were meticulously planned, implemented, monitored and adhere to best practices. The role involved detailed site investigation, stakeholder consultation, procurement and contract management and construction supervision of major dredging and reclamation work as well as the construction of coastal structures.
Employment date: Sun, 01/07/2018 - 12:00 - Sun, 03/10/2021 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Bluecoast Consulting Engineers Position: Director / Coastal Engineer Location: Australia / Pacific Projects: Project date: Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00 - Tue, 31/12/2019 - 12:00 Location: Albany, Western Australia Position: Coastal Engineer Title: City of Albany Artificial Surfing Reef Concept Design Description: James was responsible for the development of a feasibility study in response to the CoA’s desire to provide recreational surfing amenity at Middleton Beach, Albany through a proposed Artificial Surfing Reef (ASR). James managed a detailed technical analysis and numerical modelling study as well as delivering key design elements for infrastructure options for the client. The project also entailed a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process involving key community as well as local and state government representatives. James also led a metocean deployment campaign to verify numerical modelling outcomes and to aid in future development stages of the project.
Employment date: Tue, 01/07/2014 - 12:00 - Sat, 30/06/2018 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Royal HaskoningDHV Position: Coastal / Metocean Engineer Location: Australia Projects: Project date: Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00 - Tue, 31/12/2019 - 12:00 Location: Lau Group, Fiji Position: Coastal Engineer / Project Manager Title: Investigation and Design of Outer Island Jetties in Fiji Description: James led the coastal and environmental studies for the project. Detailed site investigations were undertaken in six outer islands of Fiji in order to inform the design of jetty infrastructure critical to the remote communities of Fiji. The investigations included comprehensive stakeholder engagement with local villagers, shipping operators, as well as government officials. Site investigations included condition assessments of coastal structures, deployment of water level and wave gauges as well as bathymetric surveys and rapid topographic survey with the use of drones. Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE) were undertaken as well as numerical modelling to inform the design of coastal and maritime structures
Employment date: Thu, 01/07/2010 - 12:00 - Tue, 31/12/2013 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Danish Hydraulic Institute (DHI) Position: Coastal Engineer Location: Australia Projects: Project date: Sun, 01/07/2012 - 12:00 - Sun, 30/06/2013 - 12:00 Location: Kimberley Region, Northern Western Australia Position: Metocean Engineer Title: Kimberley Aquaculture Zone - metocean monitoring & Numericasl Modelling Description: James was responsible for the development of a comprehensive field deployment campaign in the remote Kimberley region of North-Western Australia. James had to solve complex deployment logistics of a number of metocean monitoring devices in a highly volatile environment as Project Field Manager
Area of expertise: Coastal Engineering Experience: 180
Area of expertise: Project Management Experience: 120
Area of expertise: Numerical Modelling Experience: 160
Area of expertise: Metocean Engineering Experience: 180