“EAU 2012” represents a completely updated edition of the “Recommendations of the Committee for Waterfront Structures – Harbours and Waterways”. It provides those working in this field with a valuable work of reference for design, tendering, award of contract, engineering tasks, economically and environmentally compatible construction, site supervision and contractual procedures. The recommendations correspond to the latest international findings and form the foundation for building ports, harbours and waterways according to the state of the art and with consistent specifications. By incorporating the European standardisation concept, the 9th edition of the English version of the recommendations satisfies the requirements for notification by the European Commission.