An assessment model based on a hybrid MCDM approach for the port choice of liner carriers

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the port choice of liner carriers for ship calls. In this paper, based on the relevant literature and the operating features of liner carriers, the port choice factors (PCFs) for ship calls of liner carriers are first investigated. An assessment model based on a hybrid MCDM (Multiple Criteria Decision Making) approach is then proposed to assess the PCFs, by which port companies may make policies to improve their port managements. As an empirical study, the liner carriers in Kaohsiung Port were investigated to validate the model. The result may provide practical information for port companies to improve their performance in ship calls of carriers. Further, the proposed hybrid MCDM approach can provide theoretical reference for methodological research on multiple criteria decision makings.