An evaluation model of sustainable efficiency for container terminals

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the sustainable efficiency of container terminals (CTs). By the definition of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), business sustainable development includes three domains: Economics, Environment, and Society. Accordingly, based on the definition and the practical features of CT operations, this paper assesses sustainable efficiency for CTs from three perspectives: container throughput, CO2 emissions, and occupational safety. In this paper, a modality movement and a fuzzy grey relational analysis (GRA) approach are first proposed to estimate CO2 emissions and occupational safety index for CT operators, respectively. A hybrid slacks‐based measure (SBM)‐DEA model is then developed to assess the sustainable efficiency of CT operators. Finally, the CT operators in the Port of Kaohsiung are empirically investigated to validate the research model. Based on the results, theoretical and practical implications for the management of CT operators and port authorities are discussed.

Assessing Container Terminals’ Environmental Efficiency: The Modified Slack-Based Measure Model

“…It is argued that this is one of the significant challenges in assessing efficiency scores for CT operations. So far, some methods have been developed to estimate the amount of CO 2 emitted by CTs at port regions, such as Terminal Processes [8,9], the convex mathematical programming model [10], the over-simplified fuel and energy consumption-based approach [11], and bottom-up methodology [12]. However, the aforementioned approaches necessitate the precise calculation of the levels of CO 2 generated by devices and equipment at CTs, thus weakening their practical use, particularly in complicated and multipurpose terminals.…”

A Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Different Shore Power Incentive Policies on Both Shore and Ship Sides based on System Dynamics and a Chinese Port Case

“…Without implementing relevant emission reduction measures, it is anticipated that shipping emissions will increase by 50-250% by the year 2050 (International Maritime Organization, 2018). Therefore, the control and reduction of air pollutant emissions from vessels in port areas have become significant research areas that are gaining more attention, particularly in the current context of low carbon and emission reduction efforts (Chen et al, 2019;Hsu et al, 2023;Lozano et al, 2019;Peng et al, 2021).…”