FRP piles can be used for marine applications such as quays, dolphins, jetties etc., as an alternative to driven timber, steel and reinforced concrete.

FRP can be used to overcome common problems with corrosion of steel and marine borer attack in timber piles. There are also environmental concerns over the use of creosote and Copper Chrome Arsenic treated timber in water. FRP piles have been used successfully in a number of large waterfront developments in North America.

Tropical hardwoods from sustainable certified sources are still favoured for marine works in the UK, mainly due to their resistance to abrasion and when replacing like-with-like on a structure with historical significance. Timber is very infrequently used for on-shore works today as a piling material, although prior to 1900 many buildings were placed on timber piles (e.g. Old London Bridge). In softer ground on-shore, pre-cast concrete sectional piles and continuous flight auger piling is mainly used. Large marine structures in the UK tend to be founded on pre-cast concrete piles with well-protected steel or non-ferrous reinforcement. Steel can be coated with polymer to provide corrosion resistance. The uptake of an FRP/composite pile for lighter marine works such as marinas and on sensitive freshwater sites is likely to be significant.

Reasons for choosing FRP materials:
• lower through-life costs through improved durability
• Low inspection costs in service
• Non-toxic in use, no leeching of timber preservatives (such as creosote or CCA/copper chrome arsenic into seawater)
• Alternative to tropical hardwood from rainforests
• FRP sheet piling offers alternative to steel (high energy costs associated with steel manufacture)
• Lightweight - easy to handle over water
• Flexible - avoids damage to ships
• Durable - imperious to marine borers and corrosion resistant
• Abrasion resistant
• Easy to drill and fix on site.
• Drivability of FRP piling may limit applications, although for hollow section piles driving using an internal drop hammer onto a robust shoe or concrete plug would be possible.