Activities
The Port Autonome du Centre et de l'Ouest, known as PACO, extends across 174 km of waterways through more than 20 municipalities and three intermunicipal authorities, forming a unique port network in Wallonia. In less than 25 years, it has become one of Europe's leading inland ports, with between 6 and 7 million tonnes of goods transiting annually by waterway. Young and dynamic, PACO holds exceptional growth potential and a deeply rooted culture of innovation, preparing for the future with four new terminals currently under development for the next five years.
Every infrastructure, existing or planned, is maintained and assessed through an ESG lens, durably integrating environmental, social and governance criteria, with particular attention to transparency and impact on citizens, businesses and public authorities. The port also embeds sustainability, innovation and social responsibility into its policies and concessions, guiding partners, companies, public authorities and communities toward collaborative and responsible practices.
At PACO, city-citizen integration is not an abstract principle but a concrete practice: every project is built together with cities, citizens and economic stakeholders to foster social cohesion, territorial dynamism and a sense of ownership over port spaces. Each development is designed to preserve the connection with the territory and enhance public space. Its strategy places collaboration with businesses, citizens, public authorities and cities at the heart of its projects, ensuring port development that is sustainable, innovative and fully integrated into its territory. PACO is pursuing UNITAR certification, aligned with CSR and ESG standards, to formalise and structure its commitments.