As South Africa prepares to host experts and leaders from the world’s port and waterborne sector, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) anticipates putting its 11 000 m2 coastal and hydraulics laboratory, the largest facility of its kind in Africa, on display. The facility, commonly referred to as the model hall, has been key in CSIR’s impact on the local and international coastal engineering and port scene.

The 35th PIANC World Congress, themed "Future Ready Waterborne Transport – Unlocking Africa," will draw some 600 delegates from around the world to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 29 April to 3 May 2024. The CSIR is represented by its speakers in numerous sessions and an exhibition at the event. A highlight of the programme is a technical tour of the model hall at the Stellenbosch-based research group for coastal engineering and port infrastructure.  

Although this congress is held once every four years, and the CSIR’s role in the port industry spans more than five decades, it is the first time that PIANC is held in South Africa. This has created an ideal platform for the CSIR to showcase its expertise and innovations in the realm of port and waterborne transport and respond to the effect of climate change on ports and port operations.

The CSIR will share its solutions and successes in coastal and port engineering through presentations and talks on:

·        The development of a vessel under-keel clearance system for the South African ports by Chris Troch.

·        A 3D physical model study for proposed remedial works to breakwaters in the port of Richards Bay by Carl Wehlitz.

·        A 3D physical model study for the Haifa breakwater retrofit design by Lukhanyo Somlota.

“Our goal is to shape the future of waterborne transport through innovation, collaboration and responsible practice. It is fit for a country with as extensive a coastline as ours and with ports that are so important to trade and the economic well-being as ours to have a specialist facility for coastal engineering. This event provides a prime opportunity for the CSIR to share its insights and advancements with a diverse and influential audience,” says Eugéne Mabille, research group leader of coastal engineering and port infrastructure. “Our participation is essential and beneficial for the organisation's success in the ports and waterborne transport landscape.”

On the final day of the event, the CSIR  is hosting a technical tour for PIANC World Congress delegates at its Coastal and Hydraulics Modelling laboratory in Stellenbosch, allowing for a unique opportunity to showcase the CSIR’s cutting-edge hydraulics laboratory to an international audience. The technical tour is expected to host up to 120 PIANC World Congress delegates on the day. An exciting, multifaceted and engaging programme has been put together to provide a riveting experience for the international delegates.

For more information on CSIR’s participation at the 35th PIANC World Congress from 29 April to 2 May 2024 and the hosting of the Technical Tour on 3 May 2024, go to https://piancworldcongress2024.co.za.