Quantitative evaluation of dual operational-environmental port performance in the Pearl River Delta

This study quantitatively evaluates the dual operational-environmental performance of the ports in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in China. Factor analysis is first applied to identify the common factors for comprehensively ranking the level of dual operational-environmental performance of each port. Environmental treatment, port conditions and development potential are identified as the common factors. The Port of Shenzhen is found to have the best performance in environmental treatment and development potential, while the Port of Guangzhou has the best fundamental conditions. Cluster analysis is then applied to compare the clusters of ports in the PRD region with and without 'green' elements. It is found that small and medium-sized ports need to respond the call of Chinese Government on provincial-level unified port platform to realise dual operational-environmental performance.