This paper describes the development of an efficient scaled boundary finite-element model (FEM) for the simulation of short-crested wave interaction with a concentric porous cylindrical structure. By weakening the governing differential equation in the circumferential direction, the SBFEM is able to solve analytically the weakened equation in the radial direction. Only the cylinder boundary on the circumference of the exterior porous cylinder is discretized with curved surface finite elements, while a complete analytical representation is obtained for the radial differential equation. Comparisons of the numerical results on wave diffraction forces and surface wave elevations at the cylinder to available analytical solutions demonstrate that excellent accuracy can be achieved by the SBFEM with a very small number of surface finite elements. The influence of varying the wave parameters as well as the system configuration on the system hydrodynamics, including the wave force, wave run-up, and diffracted wave contour is examined and extensive results on them are presented. This parametric study will help determine the various hydrodynamic effects of a concentric porous cylindrical structure.