The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC), founded in 1885, is an international, non-political, non-profit organization that facilitates global collaboration and shares technical knowledge on waterborne transport systems. Many of its member states have a national section, and the USA is one of those.

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has hosted the US section of PIANC (PIANC USA) and served as the secretariat since 1902. PIANC USA members work alongside global experts to advance maritime and inland waterway development. Together, we contribute groundbreaking innovations in the planning, design, construction, improvement, maintenance, and operation of ports and waterways.

Our membership allows USACE engineers and scientists to collaborate with their colleagues from 27 other national sections through international working groups, gaining and contributing expertise, and to learn from PIANC’s many technical reports and standards developed to advance maritime infrastructure. Participation in PIANC affords the USA the opportunity to lead on shaping technical standards and practices—which can directly affect our nation’s maritime capabilities.

35 of USACE's 43 Districts have navigation responsibilities, including channels, locks, jetties and breakwaters, and bridges.

PIANC USA hosts many events, including technical workshops, webinars, and major conferences such as the PIANC Americas Conference and Smart Rivers. PIANC USA also provides opportunities for emerging professionals and students through the Young Professionals Commission (YP-Com). Its webinars are free for USACE employees and others and provide professional development hours. Through these events and collaborations, USACE personnel gain knowledge of innovative infrastructure solutions, enhance problem-solving skills, strengthen professional networks and provide expert input on maritime infrastructure.

IWR hosts the Secretariat on behalf of the Corps. The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASA(CW)) leads PIANC USA as Chair of the PIANC USA Board of Commissioners. The Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations (DCGCEO) serves as its President. The Commissioners come from outside of the Corps, and PIANC USA events provide a mix of industry, academia and government participants. This diverse grouping of scientists and engineers provides opportunities for industry and academia to play a larger role in delivering USACE missions.

Access to the technical reports of PIANC has greatly influenced USACE studies, initiatives and policies on the same topics. This includes such key navigation initiatives as River Information Services, Remote Lock Operations, Composite Materials Design & Use on Locks, Design of Navigation Locks, and Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials.

Finally, at the policy level, PIANC USA provides added value to USACE alignment with “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork” and “Getting the Engineering Right” initiatives through the exchange of engineering best practices with international stakeholders. it also helps address elements of the White House’s Executive Order on “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” such as “revitalize and rebuild domestic maritime industries and workforce” and “send maritime experts abroad to learn cutting edge techniques and subjects.”