During the inauguration of the 3R-Port terminal of Euroports Inland Terminals, the Walloon Minister of Mobility, François Desquesnes, once again emphasized his desire to bring together the four autonomous ports of Wallonia in an umbrella organization. A whole in which there is the political will to integrate private players.
In 2025, during the Day of Intermodality organized by the SPW Mobility and Infrastructure, François Desquesnes officially announced his intention to bring the four Walloon inland ports closer together. There are currently four inland ports: the Autonomous Port of Liège (third inland port in Europe, approximately 16.4 million tons/year), the Autonomous Port of the Center and the West (PACO, 6.8 million tons), the Autonomous Port of Charleroi (4.7 million tons) and the Autonomous Port of Namur (4.8 million tons).
“It makes sense to have these four ports work together,” said François Desquesnes. “We will therefore bring them together into one large entity that unites public and private actors in a partnership where we will of course ensure the avoidance of conflicts of interest. There are very clear rules in this area. The aim is of course to make better use of the areas bordering the waterway and to increase the use of inland waterway transport in Wallonia.” These words were music to the ears of Stéphane Jaumot (Managing Director of Euroports Inland Terminals), who had already referred to this collaboration in his opening speech. The members of Walports (the association that brings together companies along the Walloon waterway) will also have appreciated the minister’s statements.
