The paper describes the implementation of lead-rubber bearings as energy absorbers as part of the retrofit and upgrade of a large wharf. The key design requirement of the seismic retrofit was to ensure that the limited ductility capacity of the existing wharf piles was not exceeded. This was achieved by providing additional lateral restraint to the wharf in the form of groups of raking piles fastened to the wharf via post-tensioned lead-rubber bearings acting as energy absorbers.