Abstract :
[en] A logistics hub can be defined as a specific area where all the activities relating to transport, logistics and goods distribution are carried out. With its central location in Europe, highly developed infrastructures, airport and inland terminals, the region of Liège claims to be a logistics hub. This paper applies a strategic decision model based on seven relevant criteria (infrastructure, proximity to market, land availability, government and industry support, labour supply, origin/destination distances and congestion) to assess the efficiency of the logistics hub of the region of Liège. Two SWOT analyses are performed in parallel to evaluate the positions of Liège Airport and of the inland freight hub, Trilogiport, in relation to their own performances and the competition. The two main development factors of inland freight hubs are considered: the possibility of modal shift from road transport to more environmentally friendly transportation modes and the avoidance of the congestion of the two seaport areas of Antwerp and Rotterdam. This article concludes by highlighting that the bid of the region of Liège and its characteristics should contribute to a more efficient intermodal transport in Europe, helping to boost the distribution of products, and at the same time, encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the development of Liège as an inland freight hub depends on its ability to generate a critical mass, notably thanks to the local businesses, in order to realise economies of scale.