Highlights from the 2009 Annual General Assembly in Helsinki

I represented both Mr Salt, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works and Chairman of PIANC USA, and myself as President, PIANC USA at the Annual General Assembly in Helsinki, Finland (24-29 May 09). Here are the highlights from my perspective. Anne Cann (Secretary) and Kelly Barnes (Deputy Secretary) did a marvelous job in support of this event.

The meeting exposed me to many international friends (about 2 dozen countries were represented at this year's AGA). I was struck by how many issues we have in common (climate change, O&M of existing infrastructure, harbor deepening challenges, environmental issues, and dealing with ice). Brazil is a new PIANC member, and the Brazilian representative, RADM(ret) Barbosa (National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ)) was especially eager to continue the relationship with the US built last year, collaborating on inland transportation issues.

The technical sessions and visits provided some interesting insights as to how Finland is dealing with navigation issues, given their unique geography (shallow approach depths, cold climate, etc). The consensus was that waterborne transport will likely grow since it is relatively green and inexpensive. A holistic intermodal plan for Central Europe that ties the North Sea/Baltic Sea/Atlantic to the Black Sea via the Rhine and Danube Rivers has been developed that may have lessons learned for us as we plan future transportation systems.

Our tours of the ports (Helsinki's old and new harbor (Vuosaari)), Kotka, and the Saimaa Canal system demonstrated Finland's efforts to lean forward in anticipation of additional traffic (including Panamax vessels) in the future. Modern cranes, retches, and computerized systems are being installed despite the fact that shipping is off by as much as 50% due to the current economic situation. Clearly the Finns are anticipating a resurgence of shipping after the recession. Finally, they are looking at linking water transport to rail better in the future, especially with the discovery of additional iron ore in the north central part of the country which could be railed south to ports or north to Norwegian ports (through Sweden).

Ice management, a habitual problem in all of Finland during the winter months, is an area in which we may be able to partner with them, especially as we look at how best to deal with the possibility of the Northwest Passage opening. The Finns have a very reliable and resilient navigation and ice breaking system. The Norwegian presentation gave a great overview of their ice challenges along their northernmost coast and what they are anticipating for the future as the Northwest Passage opens up.

A major decision was made to depart from the printed media and go fully electronic beginning in January 2010. This will result in considerable savings to PIANC. A decision to hire a full time PIANC Secretary General was deferred.

The US Section was recognized as the Best Performing National Section in PIANC for 2008, primarily due to the extensive participation by US members in so many of the working groups and the number/professionalism of our female members (over 10%). This is a reflection of the hard work and leadership of Mr Woodley, MG Riley, and many others in the field. Well done by all!

The next PIANC USA meeting will be in Pittsburgh, PA 15-16 Jul 09 where we will visit the dewatering of the Emsworth and Dashields Locks - should be very interesting!

I encourage all in the navigation community to attend,

MG Bo Temple