In recognition of the impressive work by our members, five major PIANC awards were presented at the APAC2020 Conference dinner on December 3.
The very successful APAC2020 was the first of what will become a biennial PIANC Asia Pacific conference. The five awards, as selected by the local organizing committee, set the basis for this conference and pave the way for many more to come.
Claire Treeby, Chair of the PIANC Young Professionals Commission of Australia and New Zealand and Captain David Heppingstone, representing the Chair of the Conference Organising Committee Chris Leatt-Hayter, presented the awards.
Congratulations to all the winners, and to all the participants and presenters at the Conference.
PIANC APAC 2020 Young Author Award
This award is for the best paper presented by an Australian or New Zealand author under the age of 40 and is assessed based on the extended abstract as well as their presentation.
Congratulations to Nick Deussen from Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec for his work on the Tiwi Islands Ferry Landing. Nick gave a very engaging presentation which the issues as well as the positive solutions and emphasised the importance of collaboration with the community.
Claire Treeby commented that the judges were especially pleased with the quality of all of the submissions by young professionals and had a hard time judging this award.
PIANC APAC 2020 Author Award
Awarded to an outstanding paper and presentation which celebrates the 2020 PIANC APAC theme: Today and Tomorrow.
The winner is Jason Antenucci from DHI for the physical and numerical modelling of iron ore transhipment. His work linked physical modelling to real life applications to confirm the viability of a solution for transhipment.
Transhipment is an increasingly popular solution especially in the developing world and areas sensitive to environmental impact.
PIANC APAC 2020 Contribution Award
This award is presented to an individual who for their commendable input to supporting PIANC including on working group/s and commissions.
The recipient is Bob Lamont-Smith. Bob is a recognised specialist in port planning and design of heavy structures and has volunteered his time on a number of PIANC working groups. These include WG 184 Design Principles for Dry Bulk Marine Terminals (2019) and, currently, Working Group 211- Guidelines for the Design of Fender Systems which was the subject of his APAC2020 presentation.
Thank you to Bob for his continued contribution to PIANC.
PIANC APAC 2020 Progress Award
This award is presented to someone who has increased the positive influence of Waterborne Transport Infrastructure on the world or the lives of others.
Congratulations to Luke Twomey. Luke is the CEO of the Western Australian Marine Science Institute (WAMSI) and has contributed greatly to the industry through his research and his use of an integrated Economic/Social/Environment approach to problem solving.
Luke has been responsible for overseeing the $30 million Kimberley Marine Research Program and the landmark $19 million Dredging Science partnership, as well as drive planning for the Blueprint for Marine Science, which aims to provide the strategic direction to focus resources on research programs that will result in real improvements to the development and management of the marine estate.
PIANC APAC 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award
For outstanding involvement and contribution to the Waterborne Transport Infrastructure industry.
Congratulations to Neil Lawson. Neil requires no introduction – serving currently as the vice president of PIANC International and previously for 18 years as the Chair of PIANC in Australia. Those involved in PIANC know that he always goes above and beyond to ensure that the association continues to thrive and to enable important events such as this conference. He started work as a port engineer in the 1970s, has had a long and very successful career in the industry and continues to help shape its future.
Responding to news of his award, Neil said he wished to thank “everyone who have worked so hard over the last 20 years to bring PIANC ANZ to where it is at the moment – one of the premier PIANC National Sections in the world. We have reached this position because of the dedicated work of the present and previous Boards of PIANC.”
“Thank you for the honour of being the first Lifetime Achievement Award winner and I look forward to, in some small way, continuing to be part of the exciting PIANC journey.”