Martin Young
Martin Young leads HR Wallingford’s engineering division, delivering practical, evidence‑based solutions for complex maritime infrastructure across global ports, coastal developments and offshore projects.
Biography
Martin Young was appointed Director of Engineering in 2025. He is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers with more than 30 years’ experience in the design and construction of maritime works, including major projects in remote and developing regions.
Before joining the Executive Committee, Martin served as Engineering Group Manager from 2021, leading around 40 specialists delivering sustainable solutions across the marine environment. His division’s work spans hydrodynamic research for offshore wind, maritime planning and port development, and the detailed design of complex waterfront infrastructure.
Martin has managed and contributed to significant international projects throughout his career. He recently acted as Project Manager and civil engineering lead for a marine FEED package for an LNG export facility in Russia. He has long standing experience in Bangladesh, working closely with the Chittagong Port Authority and directing both a strategic port master planning study and the design and construction of a major coastal development scheme addressing cyclone risks.
Earlier roles include Chief Resident Engineer for the US$330 million Colombo Port Expansion Project in Sri Lanka, overseeing the construction of 6.4 km of breakwaters and large scale dredging and land reclamation. He was also the Designer’s Representative for the Costa Azul LNG offshore caisson breakwater in Mexico, and previously Design Manager in Hong Kong for Container Terminal 9 and upgrades to several existing terminals.
Martin brings a balanced blend of design and site experience, with a focus on practical, client centred engineering and the delivery of robust maritime infrastructure.
Get to know Martin
What do you enjoy most about working at HR Wallingford?
I value the breadth of experience and perspectives across our divisions. Every project brings together people with different strengths, and that mix of knowledge makes the work both interesting and rewarding.
How does your division deliver impact ?
Our engineering teams care deeply about the quality and integrity of their work. We focus on practical, evidence based advice, even when the findings are difficult for a client or project. That commitment to honest, technically sound guidance is how we make a meaningful contribution.
We work at the intersection of research and consultancy, which gives us a strong foundation in both innovation and delivery. This blend helps us address the challenges created by the climate emergency, from coastal resilience to sustainable port and marine infrastructure.
What excites you most about your work?
I enjoy the variety and problem solving that come with maritime engineering. There’s also a certain satisfaction when the to do list feels under control—and I still have a particular interest in anything involving concrete caissons.
How have you grown and developed at HR Wallingford?
I joined with a long career as a maritime civil engineer, but being here has continued to broaden my perspective. The organisation’s mix of research, consultancy and hands on engineering creates continual opportunities to learn.
What are you most proud of?
Since joining, I’ve seen the organisation’s confidence in design and construction strengthen. Playing a part in that shift, and supporting teams as they take on increasingly complex marine engineering work, has been especially rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career or joining HR Wallingford?
Be curious and keep learning. Engineering, water management and climate resilience evolve quickly, and staying open to new ideas is essential.
Anything else you’d like to add?
If anyone can explain how to nail the perfect planing run when windsurfing, I’m all ears.
We focus on practical engineering solutions grounded in evidence, shaped by experience, and designed to meet the real demands of marine projects
