Harbour quays are constructed on water using pile foundations, sheet pile walls or pre-cast concrete elements. The foundation conditions and the intended use affect the choice of the quay type. Harbour quays may be jetties or quay walls. A jetty is often constructed on piling or sheet pile walls. A jetty may also be implemented as a concrete pontoon or box caisson jetty. Quay walls are often implemented using concrete elements cast on site using forms or by means of slip forming.
In addition to the construction of quays, harbour construction typically includes the deepening of the basin, which can be done by means of dredging and excavation.