The General Meeting of the German Institute of Navigation (DGON) took place on 6 November 2026 at the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) in Hamburg. It marked the conclusion of the annual gathering in Hamburg celebrating DGON’s 75th anniversary.

In addition to reports from the Executive Board, the Management, the Scientific Advisory Board and the DGON Council, the agenda included the annual financial statements, the formal discharge of the Executive Board and Management, and financial planning.

A particular focus was placed on DGON’s future development. Members discussed, among other topics, attracting new and younger members, increasing the involvement of women, further developing the specialist committees, modernising communication, and continuing to professionalise conferences and events.

The results of the membership survey conducted beforehand confirmed the particular importance of professional and scientific exchange, personal networking, and high-quality event formats.

The General Meeting elected Dr Uwe Herberth of LITEF as DGON’s Deputy Chair and Treasurer. He succeeds Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uwe Plank-Wiedenbeck, whom DGON sincerely thanks for his many years of dedicated service on the Executive Board.

Dirk Kowalewski of navXperience GmbH and Karen von Huenerbein of Lange-Electronic GmbH were elected as the new auditors.

The annual gathering was rounded off by an anniversary and networking evening at the Hafen-Klub and a joint harbour cruise through the Port of Hamburg. The personal interactions and active participation in discussions highlighted that DGON thrives above all on the voluntary commitment of its members and interdisciplinary professional exchange.

DGON would like to thank the BSH for its hospitality and all members and participants for their active involvement.

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