Pianc
the world association for waterborne transport infrastructure
PIANC is a unique international organization that brings together knowledge and experience in the fields of civil engineering and navigation for the development and optimization of waterborne transport infrastructure.
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Originally, the acronym PIANC stood for the 'Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses', but PIANC now does far more than organize congresses; it is a highly active knowledge network built around various types of meetings, workshops, conferences, and working groups.
As a non-profit and non‑politically affiliated organization, PIANC provides a platform for knowledge exchange in the fields of shipping, ports, and inland waterways, where experts from around the world are committed to developing reliable, cost‑effective, and sustainable solutions for waterborne infrastructure and navigation. Founded in 1885, PIANC operates through national sections. In the Netherlands, in addition to the regular national section, there is a highly active Young PIANC group that organizes additional meetings and technical excursions.
On Wednesday 10 June, PIANC Netherlands is organising an event focusing on various international working groups in which Dutch experts are actively involved. During the afternoon, the working groups will provide an update on the current status of their work and the developments they are currently working on.
Ingeborg Absil has been chair of PIANC Netherlands since 2023. As Director of Accessibility and Network Quality at Rijkswaterstaat, she focuses daily on the future of the main waterway network, the surrounding networks, and how knowledge, technology, and collaboration come together in practice. In this interview, she explains what PIANC is and why the network is important for the Netherlands.
PIANC Netherlands is seeking participants for the Working Group on Navigation Availability Assessment (WG 271), focusing on the availability of waterways.
You are currently on the website of the Dutch section of PIANC
The international website of PIANC can be found here
The Netherlands’ location in a low‑lying delta presents various challenges, but also unique opportunities. These opportunities are reflected in an extensive transport network of rivers, canals, and major seaports. Against this background, PIANC Netherlands brings together the extensive Dutch knowledge and experience in the fields of waterborne infrastructure and navigation. This knowledge network includes, among others, Rijkswaterstaat, universities, research institutes, consulting firms, port authorities, dredging companies, and contractors.
PIANC is an ideal platform for sharing knowledge on ports and waterways and for enriching your professional expertise. By participating in committees or attending events, you get to meet your peers, providing an excellent way to build your network. In addition, PIANC organizes excursions to interesting (iconic) infrastructure projects. Participation in international PIANC congresses offers you the opportunity to present and share your knowledge and experience with others.
MEMBERSHIP
Interested? Send an email to sec-pianc@deltares.nl
why becoming a member?
Individual membership
COMPaNY member
Pianc Publications
The themes of the publications cover all aspects of the design of ports and waterways, banks and coastlines, dredging and environmental issues, maritime shipping, inland navigation, and recreational boating. Almost everyone has encountered or consulted a PIANC publication at some point. These publications are written by working groups in which PIANC members from different countries participate. Within these international working groups, global knowledge and expertise are brought together. This is not only valuable from a technical perspective, but also broadens your worldview and expands your professional network in a positive way. All the more reason to actively take part!
Awards
PIANC International periodically awards several different types of prizes: the PIANC De Paepe–Willems Award for young members, the Young Professional (YP) Award presented during the Congress, the Working With
Nature Award for environmentally responsible practice, and the Jack Nichol Award for outstanding marina design. See here for details of these four PIANC Awards and for nominating candidates.