PIANC USA

05/18/2026

Representatives from the U.S. Section of PIANC (PIANC USA) participated in the annual international assembly of the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure, hosted this year by the U.K. Section in Kingston upon Hull, England, May 13–15, 2026.

The U.S. delegation joined water transportation infrastructure professionals from around the world to address PIANC business matters, exchange technical knowledge, and review presentations focused on engineering, planning, and policy related to ports, inland waterways, and navigation infrastructure.

PIANC is internationally recognized for developing technical guidance, best practices, and standards for the waterborne transportation sector. Additional information and publications are available at PIANC.org.

Kingston upon Hull, commonly known as Hull, is a historic port city in East Yorkshire located where the River Hull meets the Humber Estuary.

05/12/2026

PASSIONATE ABOUT WATER TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND NAVIGATION? INTERESTED IN NETWORKING WITH GLOBAL NAVIGATION LEADERS AND CONTRIBUTING TO WORLD STANDARDS AND PRACTICES? VIEW THIS PIANC OVERVIEW AND CONSIDER JOINING!

PIANC US is pleased to share a short video on advantages of PIANC US membership. As the leading mode for international freight, maritime transportation handles over 40% of the total of U.S. goods; impacting our nation’s economy at almost $3 trillion per year. The development of high-quality and sustainable water infrastructure for all waterborne industries (maritime trade/defense/cruising/recreation) fosters the necessary confidence to attract investment in production, operations, and distribution systems. PIANC is where the world’s waterborne transportation infrastructure experts commune and your membership:

• Connects you with world leaders and experts in maritime transportation infrastructure;
• Enhances your expertise through the opportunity to develop world-class technical reports and guides;
• Supports your development and career goals as a young professional with free membership to students and through corporate memberships including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
• Provides free access to ground-breaking technical publications.

PIANC US is pleased to share a short video on advantages of PIANC US membership. As the leading mode for international freight, maritime transportation handl...

04/20/2026

PIANC USA WEBINAR: Design of Navigation Locks – Overview of the State-of-the-Practice

Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 2:00—3:00 p.m. EDT

No cost to attend, 1 PDH Credit

John Clarkson, PE, Chair of WG 206, Navigation Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ret.) and Eric Johnson, PE, SE, Navigation Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Inland Navigation Design Center will cover Design of Navigation Locks from INCOM Working Group 206. The planning and design of a navigation lock is a complex, iterative process that involves multiple disciplines, significant time, and many trade-offs. The goal is a safe, economical project that meets the needs of owners, users, and stakeholders. Prior to this new report, much of the published planning and design information was over 30 years old and outdated as newer and more efficient practices have evolved. This webinar will provide an overview of all the facets of lock design including planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation. Participants will learn how to utilize this new state-of-the-practice report that is a must-have resource to efficiently design, construct, and operate a navigation lock.

Please register at https://pianc.us/registration-form-for-24-june-2026-webinar

04/13/2026

PIANC Americas 2026 Call for Abstracts

04/07/2026

The newest issue of The Vessel has arrived!

In this edition:
• A message from PIANC USA President, Major General Jason E. Kelly
• Highlights from our recent webinar: Sustainable Practices for Navigable Waterways
• Upcoming events you won’t want to miss
• PIANC committee updates
• A spotlight on Corporate Member Moffatt & Nichol

📖 Read the latest issue and subscribe: http://www.pianc.us/newsletter

03/26/2026

PIANC USA (PIANC.US) hosted the first of four webinars for 2026: "Sustainable Practices for Navigable Waterways." Over 150 attendees received free professional development credit from the 1-hour webinar presented by Dr. Burton Seudel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/burton-suedel-00116028/), Research Biologist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineer Research and Development Center and Dr. Kyle McKay (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-mckay-106a78280/), Ecological Engineer and Environmental Director, Woolpert Engineering. Drs Seudel and McKay presented existing "engineering with nature" projects as well as how science-based guidance can inform decisions about waterborne infrastructure projects related to sustainable sediment management and technical-biological bank protectiom. In particular, they shared the three extensive design and implementation guidance documents from PIANC international Working Group 128. These publications include a library of methods, global case studies, and guidance for thinking through the design process. "Working with Nature" is an international initiative of PIANC to promote a proactive, integrated approach to sustainable navigation infrastructure projects. More information may be found at https://www.pianc.org/working-with-nature/.

Watch for the next free PIANC USA webinar entitled, "Design of Navigation Locks - Overview of the State of the Practice" to be held Summer 2026 and posted at PIANC.US or email [email protected].

03/03/2026

🚨 PIANC InCom – Call for Experts

The Inland Navigation Commission (InCom) of PIANC has opened nominations for:

WG 270 – Strategies to Prevent Negative Effects of External Threats in IW Infrastructure and Facilities
Developing practical guidance to help waterway authorities prevent and mitigate damage from third-party impacts on inland waterway infrastructure.

WG 271 – IW Guidelines for Navigation Availability Assessment
Advancing methods to assess and optimize navigation availability and reliability for locks and other key inland navigation assets.

Help strengthen the resilience, reliability, and performance of inland waterways worldwide.

🗓 Apply by 20 March 2026 https://pianc.us/wg-vacancies/
Share your expertise today.

02/26/2026

Join PIANC USA on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. EDT for a complimentary webinar, Sustainable Practices for Navigable Waterways. This session will explore how science-based guidance informs decision-making for waterborne infrastructure projects, with a focus on two key areas of practice: sustainable sediment management and technical-biological bank protection. As sustainable infrastructure development becomes an increasing global priority, nature-based solutions are being applied more frequently in navigable waterways to meet infrastructure needs while delivering environmental and social benefits.

Presenters include Dr. Burton Suedel, Research Biologist at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory, and Dr. Kyle McKay, Ecological Engineer and Environmental Director at Woolpert Engineering. Participants will gain both strategic context and practical technical guidance for implementing nature-based solutions in navigation projects.

There is no cost to attend, and participants will earn 1 PDH credit.

Register here: https://pianc.us/webinar-on-sustainable-practices-for-navigable-waterways-march-2026/

12/18/2025

The newest issue of The Vessel has arrived!

This edition spotlights continued professional growth heading into 2026. Looking to build your international network and expertise at upcoming events, jump-start your early career, or learn more about PIANC USA's future directly from its leaders? This is the issue for you.

Stay informed and connected with The Vessel — your go-to source for all things PIANC USA. Read the latest issue and subscribe at http://www.pianc.us/newsletter!

12/12/2025

We're seeking engaged and proactive leaders in the field of waterborne infrastructure to steer PIANC toward a brighter future!

Apply to become a PIANC USA Commissioner and oversee the U.S.'s involvement in the international conversation about waterborne transportation opportunities, challenges, and innovation.

Financial professionals are encouraged to apply to be Chair of PIANC's Financial Commission, which oversees and stewards the organization's finances.

These are potentially career-changing opportunities, but time is limited. Applications are due this month, as early as 15 December! Learn more & apply here: https://pianc.us/pianc-usa-leadership-vacancies/