PIANC is the global organisation providing guidance for sustainable waterborne transport infrastructure for ports and waterways. PIANC is the forum where professionals around the world join forces to provide expert advice on cost-effective, reliable and sustainable infrastructure to facilitate the growth of waterborne transport. Established in 1885, PIANC continues to be the leading partner for government and private sector in the design, development and maintenance of ports, waterways and coastal areas.

As a non-political and non-profit organisation, PIANC brings together the best international experts on technical, economic and environmental issues pertaining to waterborne transport infrastructure. Members include national governments and public authorities, corporations and interested individuals. Providing expert guidance and technical advice PIANC provides guidance to public and private partners through high-quality technical reports. Our international working groups develop regular technical updates on pressing global issues to benefits members on shared best practices.

Congresses, Conferences and Seminars

PIANC holds an International Congress every four years in one of its member countries. This forum is open to members and non-members to present and discuss topics relevant to the waterborne transport infrastructure sector. Additionally, PIANC organises the PIANC-COPEDEC International Conference on Coastal and Port Engineering in Developing Countries. Its mission is to allow coastal and port engineers from countries in transition to exchange know-how and experience with colleagues around the world. PIANC members stay connected through regular communications: “On Course”, a quarterly magazine with technical articles and news from the waterborne transport community and “Sailing Ahead”, an e-newsletter for the PIANC community. More information about congresses in past and future can be found in the Activities section of this website.

As the international forum for exchanging insights on the technical aspects of waterborne transport infrastructure, PIANC has made it a top priority to give Young Professionals the support they need early in their career, and involving them in the association. A separate PIANC commission, composed of Young Professionals, has been created to address their needs. For waterborne transport to remain effective in the 21st century, port, waterway and marina infrastructure will need to be strong, reliable and sustainable on a global basis. Part of the answer to this challenge will involve expanding the PIANC network to countries in transition, and boosting their economic development through technical assistance and training programmes.

Co-Operation

with other national and international organisations: CCNR, ICOMIA, IAPH and IALA.

PIANC’s strategic objective: to remain the leading international source of waterborne transport-related information in the 21st century