Assessing the investment environment in container terminals: A knowledge gap model

Abstract

This paper aims to evaluate the investment environment in container terminals (CTs) in one seaport from the attitudes of both terminal operators (TOs) and port companies (PCs). Evaluation criteria (ECs) regarding the investment environment in CTs are first created based on the prior literature and the CTs’ operational characteristics. A knowledge gap model based on an improved fuzzy AHP approach is then developed to assess the perceived differences on the ECs between TOs and PCs, by which the PCs managers could formulate practical policies to improve their investment environment in CTs. As an empirical study, the Taiwan International Port Corporation (TIPC) and its terminal operators in Kaohsiung port are examined to verify the research model. Results indicate that ECs with higher knowledge gap for TIPC include: Intra-port coopetition, Number of shipping carriers, and Business tax. Based on the result, theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

An evaluation model of sustainable efficiency for container terminals

“…According to the findings, policymakers can assist port authorities in achieving sustainability goals by introducing reward mechanisms for efficient ports and sanctions or fines for inefficient ones. Hsu, Tai, et al (2022) and Nguyen et al (2022) also have the similar suggestions. Wang et al (2020) quantitatively evaluate the port's green efficiency while also taking into account the competitiveness and collaboration among many ports.…”

“…According to the findings, policymakers can assist port authorities in achieving sustainability goals by introducing reward mechanisms for efficient ports and sanctions or fines for inefficient ones. Hsu, Tai, et al (2022) and Nguyen et al (2022) also have the similar suggestions.…”

“…Second, past literature employed the data on the unwanted outputs (i.e., CO 2 emissions) coming from the DMUs' own reports; hence, the reliability of the emissions is questionable. It is argued that information on the amount of CO 2 released by CTs is often scarce (Hsu, Tai, et al, 2022). Thus, it is of the utmost need to create a novel method to quantify the amount of CO 2 released by CTs' operations.…”

An assessment of factors for the cruise port of call selection: The modified fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process

“…Thus, the processing time of CIQ is of paramount importance for COs in designing a cruise itinerary [ 20 , 44 ]. A convenient CIQ procedure not only extends the staying time of cruise passengers, and cruise members in the port city [ 35 , 48 ], but also boosts their level of expenditure on food, beverages, and shopping [ 24 ]. Accordingly, this paper suggests that the Vietnam National Immigration Agency simplify the entry visa application process and grant a 24-hour transit visa exemption to appeal to more cruise carriers and cruise passengers.…”

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

“…On top of that, some solutions were suggested to abate CO 2 emissions, including financial support for clean technologies, the supply of alternative fuels and on-shore power supply (OPS), and reductions in port dues for agents adopting environmentally friendly practices. Hsu et al [23] also have similar recommendations.…”