Maritime Engineering Vision
Independent Engineering Consultants — Port, Maritime & River Infrastructure
Rigour, independence and innovation at every stage of your infrastructure project.
About Us
Engineering at the Service of Infrastructure
Pylos Lab is an independent engineering studio specialising in port, maritime and river infrastructure. We support public and private clients through design, technical review and commissioning of major infrastructure projects.
The name Pylos evokes the historic Greek bay — a nod to the long tradition of maritime engineering — combined with Lab, underscoring our experimental, innovative approach to finding new solutions.
Our Values
Innovation
We place innovation at the centre of every project, proposing modern and sustainable solutions.
Independence
We always operate in the exclusive interest of our clients, without conflicts of interest.
Technical Rigour
Every analysis and recommendation is grounded on solid normative foundations and verifiable data.
Sustainability
Our solutions always account for environmental, social and long-term impact.
Expertise
16 Technical Disciplines
Covering the full lifecycle of port, maritime and inland waterway infrastructure
Geotechnics
Foundations, soil mechanics, slope stability
Structures
Structural calculations, normative verification, technical review
Commissioning
Site supervision, testing procedures, QA-QC, punch lists
Port Engineering
Quays, wharves, breakwaters, coastal defences
Maritime Engineering
Offshore structures, moorings, anchoring systems, berth protection
River Engineering
Hydraulic works, bank protection, waterway navigability
Dredging
Port dredging, navigation channels, sediment management and reuse
Port Planning
Master planning, layout, capacity, phasing, automation
Simulation & Decision Support
Port flow modelling, layout scenarios, investment phasing, AI-assisted decision support
Digital Engineering
BIM for port structures and equipment, GIS for quays and yards, design and operational digital twins
Navigation & Safety
Access channels, manoeuvre simulation, VTS, maritime safety
Environment & Climate Resilience
EIA/ESIA, coastal biodiversity, emissions, climate adaptation for existing ports
Quantity Surveying
Cost estimates, BOQ, cost control, variations, claims
International Contracts
FIDIC/NEC contracts, claims, disputes, arbitration
HSE
Occupational health & safety, risk analysis, ISO 45001
Innovation
New materials, low-impact construction and dredging methods, AI and digital twin R&D
Services
What We Offer
Tailored consulting services across the full project lifecycle
Owner's Engineer / Independent Consultant
Independent technical representation of the Owner vis-à-vis contractor or EPCM, protecting the Owner's interests throughout the project.
Upstream Studies & Feasibility
Opportunity studies, port masterplanning, capacity and flow analysis, traffic forecasts, CAPEX-OPEX-REPEX, ESIA.
Technical Document Review (FDR)
Critical review of contractor designs and procedures against Eurocode, FIDIC, PIANC, Rock Manual, AASHTO, API.
Design Engineering
Preliminary, basic and detailed design of quays, wharves, jetties, breakwaters, coastal protection, locks and dredging works.
Construction Supervision & Site Engineering
Works supervision, QA/QC, NCR management, punch list, handover, PAC/FAC certification, shop drawing review.
Commissioning Oversight
Supervision of commissioning tests, acceptance procedures, PAC/FAC certificates.
Pylos DECK
Decision Engineering & Configuration Kit
Our flagship service-product. A structured engineering process — augmented by simulation and AI — that helps Owners choose the optimal port configuration: layout, capacity, investment phasing.
Four Integrated Pillars
Strategic Planning
Master planning, capacity analysis, traffic forecasts, socio-economic evaluation, CAPEX-OPEX-REPEX.
Simulation Engineering
Discrete Event Simulation, agent-based modelling, Monte Carlo, System Dynamics applied to port flows, yard logistics, vessel manoeuvring, hinterland intermodality.
Digital Platform
BIM for port structures and equipment, GIS for quays, yards and networks, design and operational digital twins.
Continuous Decision Support
Scenario benchmarking, alternatives evaluation, hypothesis stress-testing, decision dashboard on the client portal.
Typical Deliverables
- Port configuration study (layout alternatives, capacity targets, benchmarks)
- Investment phasing scenarios with quantitative evaluation
- Logistics simulation report (DES / agent-based with operational KPIs)
- Decision dashboard on the client portal (continuous monitoring, alerts, what-if)
- Decision memo for governing bodies and investors
For
Port authorities, terminal concessionaires, greenfield port developers, development finance institutions (IFC, AfDB, EIB) requiring numerical validation of investment scenarios.
Engagement Model
DECK is part of the Pylos Lab PMOaaS portfolio: not a one-off consultancy but a continuous service — retainer fee plus variable units of work scaling with the volume of simulations, scenarios and revisions requested.
What DECK is not
DECK is not a software licence, not a Terminal Operating System (TOS), not a maritime intelligence service (AIS tracking, security). DECK is a structured engineering consulting service supported by numerical and digital tools.
Latest from the Lab
Insights
Notes and analyses from our engineers on port, maritime and river infrastructure.
Our first Insights are on the way. In the meantime, get in touch — we are happy to discuss your project.
All InsightsContact
Let's Work Together
A project? A mission? Reach out to us.