Identifying sustainable Roll-on/ Roll-off Seaport Assessment Criteria using the Fuzzy Delphi Method: A Case Study of Thailand

Abstract

The concept of sustainable development is widely adopted as the standard strategy for port operations management to enhance competitiveness and competitive advantage. However, identifying appropriate criteria is required for an accurate assessment of sustain ability performance. In recent years, most of the existing research focuses on sustain ability in container ports on different continents, especially ports in Asia. In addition, there is no evidence of any significant study of Thai's RO/RO ports. To address this gap, this study aims to determine the sustain ability performance assessment criteria of the largest RO/RO port operators in Thailand by employing the Fuzzy Delphi method. All the 28 criteria covering the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) of sustainability such as economic, environmental, and social aspects were taken from the previous study. The study also found that the port development policy was another important aspect. The survey was conducted through a comprehensive literature review and confirmatory through the questionnaire with various organizations related to the seaport industry such as the Port Authority of Thailand, the Marine Department, RO/RO port operators, and the university. The study found 14 criteria for sustainability performance suitable for this type of port.