Author: Geraint Evans

I am very pleased to be delivering the keynote presentation at the upcoming PIANC Navigation: To Net Zero Conference, an event that brings together leading experts and practitioners from across the maritime and coastal engineering community. It’s a timely moment for our sector to come together, share insight and challenge ourselves on the role we play in the transition to Net Zero.

Current forecasts point to an unprecedented wave of investment across the North Sea over the next decade, both offshore and onshore, as we collectively work toward Net Zero. While PIANC HULL 2026 focuses primarily on the North Sea, the themes are highly relevant to other regions around the British Isles, including the Celtic Sea, as well as to global developments in renewable energy. The scale of change ahead will influence not only energy systems but also the ports, shipping routes and infrastructure that underpin them.

This conference offers an important opportunity to examine the implications of this transformation for ports and maritime logistics. The programme is rich with insightful presentations designed to spark meaningful discussion, and I’m looking forward to engaging with colleagues from across the sector. These conversations will help shape our collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead—and may well highlight new areas where further technical work or guidance is needed.

I’m delighted to be part of this event and look forward to contributing to what promises to be a dynamic and forward‑thinking discussion.

The PIANC Navigation to Net Zero Conference takes place on 11th & 12th May 2026 at DoubleTree Hilton, Hull