We are pleased to share an interview with Geert Van Cappellen, Secretary-General of PIANC International, published in Teejuht, the journal of the Estonian Transport Administration.
The interview was published in connection with NordPIANC 2026, held in Tallinn in September 2026.
In the interview, Geert Van Cappellen discusses some of the major developments currently shaping ports, waterways and maritime infrastructure. These include climate change and climate adaptation, decarbonisation and alternative fuels, digitalisation and automation, autonomous vessels, critical infrastructure security and artificial intelligence.
A central theme of the interview is the importance of international knowledge exchange. PIANC provides a global platform where engineers, researchers, authorities, ports and other maritime professionals can exchange practical experience, learn from solutions implemented elsewhere and also learn from approaches that did not work as expected. This shared experience contributes to the development of practical international guidance for ports, waterways and waterborne transport infrastructure.
Estonia has valuable experience to contribute
The interview also highlights the role Estonia can play within the international PIANC community.
Estonia has relevant knowledge and experience in areas such as navigation and infrastructure in ice conditions, small harbours, digital solutions and maritime infrastructure development. Sharing this expertise internationally gives Estonia an opportunity not only to learn from other countries, but also to contribute its own experience to PIANC’s commissions, Working Groups and technical guidance.
The next generation of maritime professionals
Another important topic is the future of maritime expertise. Van Cappellen emphasises the need to strengthen maritime education and attract young professionals to the sector.
Future engineers will continue to need strong technical competence, but increasingly they will also require digital skills, communication and cooperation abilities, international experience and the capacity to work across different disciplines.
This is also an important message for PIANC Estonia as we continue developing opportunities for young professionals and strengthening cooperation between academia, industry and the public sector.
📖 Read the full interview in Teejuht (in Estonian):
