ENHANCING REGIONAL PORT COMPETITIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY: PRIORITISING KEY DETERMINANTS USING THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP) AND TECHNIQUE FOR ORDER OF PREFERENCE BY SIMILARITY TO IDEAL SOLUTION (TOPSIS)
List of Authors
  • MOHAMMAD KHAIRUDDIN OTHMAN, NUR FARIZAN TARUDIN, Rudiah Md Hanafiah, TAN CHIEW SIA

Keyword
  • Port attractiveness, regional port competitiveness, green port management, sustainable port development, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM).

Abstract
  • Port attractiveness is critical in enhancing regional port competitiveness and promoting long-term sustainability amid intensifying global trade and environmental challenges. This study identifies and prioritises the key determinants of port attractiveness using a hybrid Multi-Criteria DecisionMaking (MCDM) approach that integrates the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Expert evaluations were used to assess the relative importance of various criteria influencing port competitiveness. The results indicate that green port management (ranked first, weight: 0.4770), external environment (second, weight: 0.2297), and location of hinterland and cargo sources (third, weight: 0.1571) are the most influential determinants. Among the strategic alternatives assessed, geographical location and natural conditions emerged as the top-ranked option for enhancing port attractiveness. These findings provide valuable insights for port authorities, policymakers, and maritime stakeholders to design targeted interventions that strengthen port performance while aligning with sustainability goals. The integrated AHPTOPSIS framework also serves as a practical decision-support tool for prioritising development initiatives in the maritime sector.

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