An integrated multi-criteria decision analysis framework for comparing inland port transport capabilities in maritime logistics

Abstract

Introduction/purpose: Inland ports provide storage, transportation, and customs clearance services for goods moving within inland areas. Ranking and evaluating inland ports are crucial to national logistics, thereby improving management efficiency and optimizing the flow of goods. The current study demonstrates a capacity-focused capability assessment of eight inland ports in Vietnam. Methods: The comparison is made based on four main parameters: throughput capacity, total area, warehouse area, and maximum exploitation output. Three multi-criteria modelling (MCM) methods, including the Probability Method (PM), objective pairwise adjusted ratio analysis (OPARA), and Root Assessment Method (RAM), were applied to rank the inland ports. The LOPCOW (Logarithmic Percentage Change-driven Objective Weighting) method is used to determine the criteria weights. Rankings from individual methods are aggregated using the Rank Index method (RIM). Results: The results show that, regardless of the method employed or the criterion weights used, one inland port (A2) performs best among the eight surveyed ports. To assess the stability of the outcome, five scenarios are generated, varying the criterion weights and the ranking of alternatives in each case. The result shows that the outcome is less sensitive to the changes in external conditions. Conclusion: This study provides transport companies with information to select the optimal inland port based on throughput capacity and warehouse area, supports exporters and importers in optimizing storage and transportation processes, provides the government with data to enhance management, and guides other ports in improving their operating capacity.