PIANC and PIARC

PIANC: the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure

PIANC is the global organisation providing guidance and technical advice on sustainable waterborne transport infrastructure for ports, marinas and waterways. Founded in 1885, PIANC is one of the oldest technical associations and has changed significantly over the years.

It has adapted to the contemporary needs of water transport infrastructure issues. The challenges of the 21st century include sustainable development, climate change, nature based solutions and digitalisation. Rijkswaterstaat has been a member for over 100 years.

PIANC's major events keep the international maritime and inland navigation community connected: the PIANC World Congress, the PIANC-COPEDEC and PIANC-SMART Rivers Conferences, as well as several regional events.

PIANC continues to be the leading partner for government and the private sector in the planning, development and maintenance of ports, waterways and coastal areas. Rijkswaterstaat is involved in several of PIANC’s technical commissions and working groups.

The chair of the Dutch national section and the first-delegate are also Rijkswaterstaat affiliated. A variety of activities are organised each year by the national section for the Dutch PIANC-members.

World Road Association PIARC

The World Road Association PIARC is a network that was founded in 1909. More than 100 years later, PIARC continues to foster and facilitate global discussion and knowledge sharing on roads and road transport.

The Association now has 128 government members worldwide and retains consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The Association aims to be the world leader in the exchange of knowledge on roads and road transport policy and practices within an integrated sustainable transport context.

PIARC exists to serve all its members by:

• being a leading international forum for the analysis and discussion of the full spectrum of transport issues related to roads and road transport
• identifying, developing and disseminating best practice and giving better access to international information
• fully considering within its activities the needs of developing countries and countries with economies in transition
• developing and promoting efficient tools for decision-making on issues related to roads and road transport

The Netherlands has been a member of PIARC since 1910. The Director General of Rijkswaterstaat is the PIARC First Delegate for the Netherlands. Rijkswaterstaat and some other Dutch institutes participate in some of PIARC’s technical committees. Both Rijkswaterstaat and PIARC cooperate with CEDR and TRB.