Transport & logistics

Multimodal Wallonia: PACO, the 4th largest inland port across Belgium and France

At the heart of Wallonia, the Autonomous Port of Centre and West (PACO) ranks among the most prominent inland ports in Belgium and France. Through two decades of sustained development, PACO has climbed the rankings to become the 4th largest port in terms of tonnage handled, alongside major hubs such as Antwerp, Paris and Liège.

Since its modest beginnings in 2000, PACO has experienced remarkable growth, reflecting both its dynamism and long-term potential. Today, with more than 7.2 million tonnes transshipped annually, it is a major player in inland waterway transport in Belgium. This success is built on a clear strategic vision and significant infrastructure investments launched as early as 1999.

PACO holds a unique position in Wallonia’s port landscape. Stretching nearly 200 km along navigable waterways and covering an area of influence across Hainaut, Mons-Borinage and Wallonie Picarde, it provides a strategic platform for inland shipping. Its eight canals — including the Charleroi–Brussels Canal, the Canal du Centre and the Upper Scheldt — make it a major logistics hub.

The port — or more precisely the port infrastructure manager, since PACO is not centred on a single city but on a whole section of the Walloon backbone — is first and foremost a tool serving Wallonia, its companies and its citizens

What sets PACO apart is its youth, agility and growth potential. As Wallonia’s most recent inland port authority, it embodies innovation and ambition. With forward-looking projects such as PACO 4.0 and the Smart Track for Waterways (ST4W) programme, it positions itself as a pioneer in the port industry, firmly focused on the future.

PACO continues to expand. With more than 174 km of waterways and over 72 hectares of developed quays, it has significant development capacity. PACO works closely with its concessionaires and with partners such as Logistics in Wallonia — the competitiveness cluster dedicated to transport, logistics and mobility — to foster innovation.

PACO is a key tool in the urgent effort to decarbonise companies and their logistics and to reduce heavy road traffic

Numerous projects are already underway, including PACO 4.0, first- and last-mile decarbonisation initiatives with Holcim, a green fuels station in the Pecq area, and urban logistics projects.

Beyond its economic importance, PACO plays a crucial role in the transition toward a greener, more sustainable economy. By promoting low-impact transport solutions and responsible practices with its partners, PACO actively contributes to reducing carbon emissions. Each year, it removes more than 340,000 truck journeys from the roads and saves over 145,000 tonnes of CO₂.

PACO embodies the dynamism and innovation of multimodal Wallonia. With sustained growth and ambitious projects, it remains a key driver of the regional economy while helping to build a more sustainable future.