This thesis reviewed current methods for monetarily quantifying the sustainable aspects of coastal engineering solutions. It developed a holistic monetary valuation framework that integrates the Ecosystem Services Assessment (ESA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the impacts and benefits of coastal engineering interventions. The framework offers a comprehensive approach to assessing the economic, social, and environmental impacts and benefits of coastal solutions, thereby enabling informed decision-making.

Applying the framework to a case study in the Netherlands demonstrated its effectiveness in providing valuable insights into the sustainability of coastal protection measures. The sensitivity analysis underscored the importance of accurately valuing ecosystem services and environmental impacts, as well as the influence of economic parameters, materials, and modes of operation on project viability. Additionally, the framework’s potential for broader application was illustrated through a feasibility study in Suriname.

The study’s findings highlight the need for improved data collection, stakeholder engagement, methodological refinements, and consideration of policy environments to enhance the framework’s applicability and effectiveness. Future research should address these areas to further improve the informed decision-making process regarding the sustainability of coastal engineering alternatives.

The submerged floating crossing (SFC) considered in this study has demonstrated significant sustainability based on provided assumptions. the SFC has appeared to be a sheltered and sound idea appropriate to satisfy its expected capacities and to tackle given environmental conditions. The structure of the proposed SFC is intended to withstand all functional and environmental loads. The results of worst-case scenarios showed the base SFC design have a sufficient robustness to withstand the presumed significant loads. Some major uncertainties were faced throughout the study, which are manageable by means of modern technologies in civil engineering or some organizational arrangements.