2-6-2026
Martijn de Jong steps down from the PIANC NL Board
After five years, Martijn de Jong of Deltares is stepping down from the board of PIANC Netherlands and handing over the role to Rolien van der Mark. We asked him to reflect briefly on his time with the organization.
What role have you played within PIANC Netherlands over the past few years?
"I have been involved with PIANC since 2006 and have participated in four international working groups during that time. Since 2020, together with Hugo Ammerlaan of MARIN, I represented the knowledge institutes on the board. In that role, I contributed to the management of PIANC Netherlands, the organization of national events, and the involvement of Dutch members in the international PIANC working groups."
What are you most proud of?
"When I joined the board, we were in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, which made organizing events particularly challenging. Together with a number of active and committed board members, we organized several online events that attracted very high attendance."
What makes PIANC Netherlands valuable for professionals working in ports, waterways and waterborne infrastructure?
"It is a strong network of enthusiastic and engaged professionals in this fascinating field. It offers valuable opportunities to build connections. PIANC also provides a platform to showcase your own work and present inspiring projects."
What stands out when you look back on your time on the board?
"When I joined the board in 2020, we set ourselves the goal of becoming more actively involved with Dutch participants in the international working groups. One way we achieved this was by introducing a dedicated contact person within the PIANC Netherlands board for working group members. Based on the feedback from new participants, I noticed that this was highly appreciated. We successfully established this approach, and the board can now continue to build on it."
What would you say to people who are considering becoming active within PIANC Netherlands?
"Go for it! It is both enjoyable and valuable to participate in events and working groups with like-minded professionals from across the sector."
What advice would you give your successor, Rolien?
"Most importantly, enjoy the role. The Dutch national section of PIANC is a highly active and close-knit group of experts and dedicated professionals."
Finally, what would you like to share with the PIANC community?
"As a final contribution in my former role as the board contact for working group members, I would encourage every PIANC member to participate in at least one international working group. It is an incredibly rewarding and valuable experience. Whether you are an experienced professional or a Young Professional, you always have something meaningful to contribute."
Martijn, thank you for your dedication and contributions to the board of PIANC Netherlands!