PIANC Resolution 2009, drafted during its Annual General Assembly on May 26 in Helsinki

With the impact of Climate Change now being further considered in the context of navigation in terms of inland waterways, coastal and deep sea shipping, it is evident that major steps need to be taken to deal with the challenges created. From an inland navigation point of view, PIANC is actively considering the impact of climate change and examining how navigational infrastructure and operating criteria need to be modified to cope with more adverse conditions ranging from sudden floods to ever more severe droughts.

Within ports and their access channels, the implications of the sea level rise and also the possibility of increased sedimentation are being actively considered. More frequent and stronger storms are also challenges we are likely to face in the future. In terms of deep sea navigation significant new opportunities are being created with the possibility of new routes around the Arctic, which may be beneficial in shortening journey times, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, thus helping to reduce global warming.