The modelling of piles in a 2D finite element model brings limitations because pile-soil interaction is a strongly 3D phenomenon. Pile-soil interaction is difficult to model and traditional methods in which pile rows are modelled either as plates or as node-to-node anchors have clear drawbacks. The embedded pile row has been developed to model a row of piles in the out-of-plane direction, which is available in PLAXIS 2D 2012. It is supposed to result in a more realistic pile-soil interaction behaviour compared to other methods. This article discusses the principle and validation of the feature, which has been performed in a MSc thesis study (TU Delft). Recently, the embedded pile row feature has been applied by Witteveen+Bos in the design of a quay wall for the General Cargo terminal of the New Baku International Sea Trade Port.