Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 3 September 2025

 

 

As we pass the first anniversary since I assumed the presidency of IPA in July 2024, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on our collective progress and extend my sincere appreciation to all who have contributed to a highly productive and impactful year.
Kenneth Gavin President, International Press-in Association

  In April 2025, IPA took an important step by hosting its inaugural seminar in Tunisia on April 4. This historic event marked our first seminar held in Africa, underscoring the expanding global reach and relevance of press-in piling technology. It was truly inspiring to witness how knowledge exchange can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, fostering broader collaboration and innovation in the geotechnical field.
  In July, we held our 18th Board Meeting in Tokyo, alongside a technical seminar co-hosted with the Port and Airport Research Institute (PARI) as well as other events. The seminar, titled “Challenges and Considerations in Offshore Wind Power Facility Development,” welcomed around 600 participants from 12 countries, both in person and online. It served as a vibrant platform for multidisciplinary exchange and strengthened our collective efforts in advancing offshore renewable energy. You will find more details in this issue of the Newsletter.
  In parallel with our events, we have continued to advance IPA’s knowledge-sharing initiatives, including the release of new technical publications and the ongoing dissemination of high-quality resources through our website and Newsletter. These efforts are essential to supporting our members and ensuring that expertise in press-in piling technology remains accessible across regions and disciplines.
  As an academic organization, we are also committed to strengthening our research activities in the coming years. We have reinvigorated our technical committees in order to foster deeper collaboration between universities, research institutes, and industry professionals through focused studies and by promotion of interdisciplinary projects. This focus on research will reinforce IPA’s role as a global leader in press-in piling technology and sustainable construction innovation.
  I am pleased to share that we are preparing for the Press-in Seminar in Jakarta, scheduled for 15 April 2026. This will further expand our engagement in Southeast Asia and provide another opportunity for meaningful dialogue and regional collaboration.

Furthermore, plans are already underway for the next International Conference on Press-in Engineering (ICPE), to be held in the Netherlands, home to Giken Europe and the Technical University of Delft in 2027. I look forward to welcoming many of you to the Netherlands which is famous for overcoming geotechnical challenges related to provision of high-quality infrastructure and proving a high quality of life for citizens in a country with large areas below sea-level and is home to many of the largest international offshore contractors servicing the ever-growing offshore renewables industry. The conference will be a valuable milestone for our community, offering an opportunity to showcase progress, exchange ideas, and reaffirm our shared commitment to safe, sustainable, and innovative construction practices.