From port infrastructure and waterways to biodiversity and sustainability, Witteveen+Bos works on a wide range of hydraulic engineering projects around the world. The engineering consultancy is both a member and a partner of PIANC Netherlands. Menno Fousert, Head PMC Port Structures & Design at Witteveen+Bos, shares insights into the company's involvement in the network and the challenges facing the sector in the coming years.

What kind of projects does your organisation work on?

As an engineering consultancy, Witteveen+Bos works internationally on challenging projects involving deltas, coasts, port infrastructure, rivers and waterways. Our work covers the entire spectrum, from master planning studies to detailed design, construction management and supervision.

Why is PIANC Netherlands a relevant network for your organisation?

PIANC Netherlands is an important network where many companies, knowledge institutes and government organisations come together to meet and share knowledge. This is particularly important for a country like the Netherlands, with its strong tradition in hydraulic engineering, to remain at the forefront of the sector.

What knowledge or practical experience do you bring to the PIANC network?

The knowledge and experience we bring to the network and contribute to committees mainly focus on the design of major port infrastructure projects and the transition from design to construction, as well as biodiversity and sustainability.

Are you involved in PIANC working groups, reports or events? If so, how?

Yes, we provide experts for working groups addressing relevant topics, including offshore wind ports (WG 269) and the effects of waterborne transport on biodiversity (WG 267).

If you could recommend one PIANC report to your colleagues, which would it be?

As designers of port infrastructure, we use numerous PIANC reports, but the Fender Guidelines (WG 211) are often at the top of the pile. They provide a wealth of practical information supported by extensive technical background.

Which issue relating to ports, waterways or waterborne infrastructure deserves more attention in the coming years, and why?

Much of the existing port infrastructure is reaching the end of its economic service life, although it is often still in relatively good condition. At the same time, the way infrastructure is used changes over its lifetime, along with the requirements it needs to meet. We are seeing increasing demand for service life extension measures and maintenance that can prevent the need for demolition and new construction. The use of monitoring data also plays an important role. Greater attention to the smart application of monitoring in port infrastructure creates opportunities to optimise its use and make port infrastructure more sustainable.

What international knowledge could be better utilised in the Netherlands?

Other countries often use very different techniques and methods. Sharing knowledge and experiences is extremely valuable and helps broaden our perspective.

Which Dutch issue deserves a place on the international PIANC agenda?

Sustainable material use in port structures. We have found that sometimes relatively small changes to specifications or material choices can lead to significant savings in both steel and cement consumption. In the Netherlands, such approaches are already widely applied or being tested in practice. We are seeing growing international interest in this area, but Dutch ports are leading the way in several respects.

What makes international cooperation indispensable in your field?

Different techniques are used around the world, and a wide range of expertise is available internationally. Cooperation enables us to exchange knowledge and experience. For example, when it comes to construction in areas with hard, rocky ground conditions or seismic activity, Dutch engineers can often learn a great deal from colleagues in countries where these conditions are common.

What would you like to say to other professionals about participating in PIANC Netherlands?

PIANC offers an enjoyable and interesting network and a platform with a strong technical foundation that brings together knowledge sharing and networking opportunities. It is very rewarding to meet colleagues from across the sector in different settings and work together to develop valuable guidelines that help move the industry forward.