PIANC is the global organisation providing guidance and technical advice for a sustainable waterborne transport infrastructure to ports, marinas and waterways.
Established in 1885, PIANC is one the oldest technical Associations that has changed noticeably over the years, adapting to the respective contemporary requirements of issues pertaining to waterborne transport infrastructure. Some of the 21st century’s challenges involve sustainable development, climate change, the need for working with nature and digitalisation.
PIANC’s major events keep the international waterborne transport community connected: the PIANC World Congress, the PIANC-COPEDEC and the PIANC-SMART Rivers Conferences, and three regional events being the PIANC Mediterranean Days, the NordPIANC Meetings and PIANC Asia Pacific Conference (APAC).
Last but not least, PIANC undertakes major efforts to involve Young Professionals and Emerging Countries in its activities.
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The governing body is the Annual General Assembly, which is composed of delegations from the member countries (Qualifying Members). These delegations represent all members of the related countries.
The Council meets twice a year and gathers the members of the Executive Committee (ExCom), the Honorary Members and the First Delegates of the member countries. The Council examines and approves proposals and recommendations of the ExCom and submits them to the AGA for ratification.
The ExCom is composed of the President, Secretary-General, Vice-Presidents and Chairpersons of each Commission and meets three times a year. It ensures the executive management of the Association and monitors the decisions and directives of the Council and the AGA.
A Memorandum of Understanding is signed with our Sister Associations.
It is agreed that in order to enhance the impact of both Associations in the area of the related waterborne transport infrastructure, to co-operate, communicate and collaborate in the following fields whilst recognising and respecting their individual identities, membership expectations and traditions.
