Ranking barriers to green port development: A neutrosophic-fuzzy ISM approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.281958Keywords:
Sustainability, Green Ports, Barriers, Neutrosophic Fuzzy, Interpretive Structural Modeling, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making, Sustainability; Multi-criteria decision-making; Interpretive structural modeling; Neutrosophic fuzzy; Green ports; BarriersAbstract
Green ports represent a critical evolution in maritime logistics, transforming traditional seaports into environmentally conscious hubs that balance operational efficiency with sustainability. This study investigates the complex barriers hindering green port implementation using a hybrid neutrosophic-fuzzy Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) approach. Ten experts from port management, operations, and environmental fields gave their opinions. The study used a special neutrosophic fuzzy scale to measure unclear and uncertain expert views on 15 barriers. Results show that financial availability (FA) and high initial cost (HIC) are the biggest problems. FA scored a truth value of 0.94 and falsity of 0.06, making it the top concern. Regulatory complexity (RC) also matters, but has more uncertainty. Technical problems like lack of capacity (LTC) and technology readiness barriers (TRB) have mixed effects depending on context. Driving-dependence analysis puts FA, HIC, and RC as the main drivers, while LTC acts as a linkage barrier. Monte Carlo sensitivity tests prove the model is stable, confirming financial and regulatory barriers as priorities. This framework helps port leaders understand how barriers relate and where to invest. It supports closing the gap between green port goals and real implementation, aiming for ports that support both the economy and the environment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cite this article:
Duc, N. M., & Nguyen, L. H. (2026). Ranking barriers to green port development: A neutrosophic-fuzzy ISM approach. Maritime Technology and Research, 8(1), 281958. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.281958
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highlights
- Neutrosophic–fuzzy modeling maps green port barriers with precision.
- Finance, cost, and regulation consistently drive system outcomes.
- Technical capacity links drivers to performance, amplifying impacts.
- Monte Carlo sensitivity confirms stable rankings and insights.
- Clear actions: unlock financing, streamline permits, upskill teams.
References
Abu Bakar, N. N., Bazmohammadi, N., Vasquez, J. C., & Guerrero, J. M. (2023). Electrification of onshore power systems in maritime transportation towards decarbonization of ports: A review of the cold ironing technology. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 178, 113243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2023.113243
Aksoy, S., & Durmusoglu, Y. (2020). Improving competitiveness level of Turkish intermodal ports in the Frame of Green Port Concept: A case study. Maritime Policy & Management, 47(2), 203-220. https://doi.org/10.1080/03088839.2019.1688876
Alamoush, A. S., Ballini, F., & Ölçer, A. I. (2021). Revisiting port sustainability as a foundation for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Journal of Shipping and Trade, 6(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41072-021-00101-6
Alamoush, A. S., Dalaklis, D., Ballini, F., & Ölcer, A. I. (2023). Consolidating port decarbonisation implementation: Concept, pathways, barriers, solutions, and opportunities. Sustainability, 15(19), 14185. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914185
Alamoush, A. S., & Ölçer, A. I. (2025). Harnessing cutting-edge technologies for sustainable future shipping: An overview of innovations, drivers, barriers, and opportunities. Maritime Technology and Research, 7(4), 277313. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2025.277313
Balbaa, A., Swief, R. A., & El-Amary, N. H. (2019). Smart integration based on hybrid particle swarm optimization technique for carbon dioxide emission reduction in eco-ports. Sustainability, 11(8), 2218. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11082218
Biswas, P., Pramanik, S., & Giri, B. C. (2016). TOPSIS method for multi-attribute group decision-making under single-valued neutrosophic environment. Neural Computing and Applications, 27(3), 727-737. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-015-1891-2
Bojić, F., Bošnjak, R., & Gudelj, A. (2021). Review of smart ports in the European Union. In Proceedings of the 19th International Conference On Transport Science 2020, Pomorstvo, Promet in Logistika Maritime, Transport And Logistics Science.
Bui, V. D., & Nguyen, H. P. (2021). A comprehensive review on big data-based potential applications in marine shipping management. International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology, 11(3), 1067. https://doi.org/10.18517/ijaseit.11.3.15350
Bullock, S., Hoolohan, C., & Larkin, A. (2023). Accelerating shipping decarbonisation: A case study on UK shore power. Heliyon, 9(7), e17475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17475
Camargo-Díaz, C. P., Paipa-Sanabria, E., Zapata-Cortes, J. A., Aguirre-Restrepo, Y., & Quiñones-Bolaños, E. E. (2022). A review of economic incentives to promote decarbonization alternatives in maritime and Inland waterway transport modes. Sustainability, 14(21), 14405. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114405
Chen, A. P. S., Huang, Y. F., & Do, M. H. (2022). Exploring the challenges to adopt green initiatives to supply chain management for manufacturing industries. Sustainability, 14(20), 13516. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013516
Chen, J., Huang, T., Xie, X., Lee, P. T. W., & Hua, C. (2019). Constructing governance framework of a green and smart port. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 7(4), 83. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse7040083
Chen, J., Zheng, T., Garg, A., Xu, L., Li, S., & Fei, Y. (2019). Alternative maritime power application as a green port strategy: Barriers in China. Journal of Cleaner Production, 213, 825-837. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.12.177
Dai, L., Hu, H., Wang, Z., Shi, Y., & Ding, W. (2019). An environmental and techno-economic analysis of shore side electricity. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 75, 223-235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2019.09.002
Di Vaio, A., & Varriale, L. (2018). Management innovation for environmental sustainability in seaports: Managerial accounting instruments and training for competitive green ports beyond the regulations. Sustainability, 10(3), 783. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10030783
Diabat, A., & Govindan, K. (2011). An analysis of the drivers affecting the implementation of green supply chain management. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 55(6), 659-667. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2010.12.002
Elentably, A. (2015). Strategic and operational plan implementation of seaports (Utilization Jeddah Port). TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, 9(4), 489-497. https://doi.org/10.12716/1001.09.04.05
Elhussieny, M., Arafat, O., & El Kassar, A. (2023). The outcomes of applying smart green port concept in Egyptian Ports (Case study: Alexandria Port) (pp. 413-420). In Proceedings of he International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-1-W2-2023-413-2023
Elmsalmi, M., Hachicha, W., & Aljuaid, A. M. (2021). Prioritization of the best sustainable supply chain risk management practices using a structural analysis based-approach. Sustainability, 13(9), 4608. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094608
Feng, L., Wang, X., & Qu, M. (2022). The cooperative game study of Chinese overseas direct investment in the construction of green ports. Sustainability, 15(1), 727. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010727
Fratila, A. A., Gavril, M. I. A., Nita, S. C., & Hrebenciuc, A. (2021). The importance of maritime transport for economic growth in the European Union: A panel data analysis. Sustainability, 13(14), 7961. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147961
Guo, X., Ren, H., & Jiang, T. (2021). Application of the green port technology. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1920(1), 012071. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1920/1/012071
Hoang, A. T., Foley, A. M., Nižetić, S., Huang, Z., Ong, H. C., Ölçer, A. I., Pham, V. V., & Nguyen, X. P. (2022). Energy-related approach for reduction of CO2 emissions: A critical strategy on the port-to-ship pathway. Journal of Cleaner Production, 355, 131772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.131772
Hoang, A. T., Pandey, A., Martinez De Osés, F. J., Chen, W. H., Said, Z., Ng, K. H., Ağbulut, Ü., Tarełko, W., Ölçer, A. I., & Nguyen, X. P. (2023). Technological solutions for boosting hydrogen role in decarbonization strategies and net-zero goals of world shipping: Challenges and perspectives. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 188, 113790. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2023.113790
Issa Zadeh, S. B., Esteban Perez, M. D., López-Gutiérrez, J. S., & Fernández-Sánchez, G. (2023). Optimizing smart energy infrastructure in smart ports: A systematic scoping review of carbon footprint reduction. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 11(10), 1921. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11101921
Jugović, A., Sirotić, M., & Poletan Jugović, T. (2022). Identification of pivotal factors influencing the establishment of green port governance models: A bibliometric analysis, content analysis, and DPSIR framework. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 10(11), 1701. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10111701
Kannan, G., Pokharel, S., & Sasi Kumar, P. (2009). A hybrid approach using ISM and fuzzy TOPSIS for the selection of reverse logistics provider. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 54(1), 28-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2009.06.004
Kilic, H. S., Yurdaer, P., & Aglan, C. (2021). A leanness assessment methodology based on neutrosophic DEMATEL. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 59, 320-344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2021.03.003
Kim, A. R., Seo, J., & Seo, Y. J. (2023). Key barriers to adopting onshore power supply to reduce port air pollution: Policy implications for the maritime industry in South Korea. Marine Policy, 157, 105866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2023.105866
Kutlu Gündoğdu, F., & Kahraman, C. (2019). Spherical fuzzy sets and spherical fuzzy TOPSIS method. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 36(1), 337-352. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-181401
Lam, J. S. L., & Li, K. X. (2019). Green port marketing for sustainable growth and development. Transport Policy, 84, 73-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2019.04.011
Lam, J. S. L., & Notteboom, T. (2014). The greening of ports: A comparison of port management tools used by leading ports in Asia and Europe. Transport Reviews, 34(2), 169-189. https://doi.org/10.1080/01441647.2014.891162
Le, T. T., Nguyen, H. P., Rudzki, K., Rowiński, L., Bui, V. D., Truong, T. H., Le, H. C., & Pham, N. D. K. (2023). Management strategy for seaports aspiring to green logistical goals of IMO: Technology and policy solutions. Polish Maritime Research, 30(2), 165-187. https://doi.org/10.2478/pomr-2023-0031
Lee, T., & Nam, H. (2017). A study on green shipping in major countries: In the view of shipyards, shipping companies, ports, and policies. The Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics, 33(4), 253-262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajsl.2017.12.009
Mathiyazhagan, K., Govindan, K., NoorulHaq, A., & Geng, Y. (2013). An ISM approach for the barrier analysis in implementing green supply chain management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 47, 283-297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.10.042
Md Sapry, H. R. (2020). Investigating implementation of green port initiative at Johor Port Berhad. International Journal of Advanced Trends in Computer Science and Engineering, 9, 80-84. https://doi.org/10.30534/ijatcse/2020/1591.12020
Mkedder, N., & Das, M. (2024). Metaverse integration challenges: An in-depth ISM and MICMAC analysis. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 77, 103684. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2023.103684
Nazarian-Jashnabadi, J., Rahnamay Bonab, S., Haseli, G., Tomaskova, H., & Hajiaghaei-Keshteli, M. (2023). A dynamic expert system to increase patient satisfaction with an integrated approach of system dynamics, ISM, and ANP methods. Expert Systems with Applications, 234, 121010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2023.121010
Nguyen, H. P., Hoang, A. T., Nizetic, S., Nguyen, X. P., Le, A. T., Luong, C. N., Chu, V. D., & Pham, V. V. (2021). The electric propulsion system as a green solution for management strategy of CO2 emission in ocean shipping: A comprehensive review. International Transactions on Electrical Energy Systems, 31(11), 12580. https://doi.org/10.1002/2050-7038.12580
Nguyen, H. P., Nguyen, C. T. U., Tran, T. M., Dang, Q. H., & Pham, N. D. K. (2024). Artificial intelligence and machine learning for green shipping: Navigating towards sustainable maritime practices. JOIV : International Journal on Informatics Visualization, 8(1), 2581. https://doi.org/10.62527/joiv.8.1.2581
Nguyen, H. P., Nguyen, P. Q. P., & Nguyen, T. P. (2022). Green port strategies in developed coastal countries as useful lessons for the path of sustainable development: A case study in Vietnam. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 11(4), 950-962. https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.2022.46539
Notteboom, T., & Lam, J. S. L. (2018). The greening of terminal concessions in seaports. Sustainability, 10(9), 3318. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10093318
Novitasari, N., & Anwar, N. (2022). Enhanced technology for logistics courier delivery using RFID label to minimize processing time. JOIV : International Journal on Informatics Visualization, 6(3), 610. https://doi.org/10.30630/joiv.6.3.1229
Nusraningrum, D., Mekar, T. M., Endri, E., & Ahmad, F. S. (2023). Does implementing green operation management affect the Sustainability of port operations in Labuan Bajo? Uncertain Supply Chain Management, 11(4), 1417-1426. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.uscm.2023.8.005
Oniszczuk-Jastrząbek, A., Pawłowska, B., & Czermański, E. (2018). Polish sea ports and the Green Port concept. SHS Web of Conferences, 57, 01023. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20185701023
Palit, T., Bari, A. B. M. M., & Karmaker, C. L. (2022). An integrated principal component analysis and interpretive structural modeling approach for electric vehicle adoption decisions in sustainable transportation systems. Decision Analytics Journal, 4, 100119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dajour.2022.100119
Parhamfar, M., Sadeghkhani, I., & Adeli, A. M. (2023). Towards the application of renewable energy technologies in green ports: Technical and economic perspectives. IET Renewable Power Generation, 17(12), 3120-3132. https://doi.org/10.1049/rpg2.12811
Pavlic, B., Cepak, F., Sucic, B., Peckaj, M., & Kandus, B. (2014). Sustainable port infrastructure, practical implementation of the green port concept. Thermal Science, 18(3), 935-948. https://doi.org/10.2298/TSCI1403935P
Peng, J., Wang, J., Wang, J., Zhang, H., & Chen, X. (2016). Simplified neutrosophic sets and their applications in multi-criteria group decision-making problems. International Journal of Systems Science, 47(10), 2342-2358. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207721.2014.994050
Peoples, C., Moore, A., & Georgalas, N. (2022). Port sustainability as a service: The design of bespoke service level agreements (SLAs) to improve operational efficiency at Harbours by prioritising social satisfaction. Frontiers in Sustainability, 3, 928994. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2022.928994
Pham, N. D. K., Dinh, G. H., Pham, H. T., Kozak, J., & Nguyen, H. P. (2023). Role of green logistics in the construction of sustainable supply chains. Polish Maritime Research, 30(3), 191-211. https://doi.org/10.2478/pomr-2023-0052
Quy, P., Nguyen, P., Tan, D., Ha, N., Yen, T., & Le, Q. (2025). Machine learning-driven insights for optimizing ship fuel consumption: Predictive modeling and operational efficiency. International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology, 15(1), 27-35.
Roh, S., Thai, V. V., & Wong, Y. D. (2016). Towards sustainable ASEAN port development: Challenges and opportunities for Vietnamese Ports. The Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics, 32(2), 107-118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajsl.2016.05.004
Satta, G., Vitellaro, F., Njikatoufon, A. G., & Risitano, M. (2025). Green strategies in ports: A stakeholder management perspective. Maritime Economics & Logistics, 27(1), 96-122. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41278-024-00294-0
Sharif, M. B., Gorbanpour, A. H., Ghassemi, H., & He, G. (2023). Investigating the harbour basin tranquillity in the Genaveh port development plan. Polish Maritime Research, 30(1), 145-155. https://doi.org/doi:10.2478/pomr-2023-0015
Shashank, G., Sairam, D., Reddy, B. R., Afreed, K., & Sridharan, R. (2020). Analysis of enablers and barriers in adopting electric vehicles in India: DEMATEL - ISM approach (pp. 1-7). In Proceedings of the 2020 International Conference on System, Computation, Automation and Networking. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICSCAN49426.2020.9262394
Sushil. (2012). Interpreting the interpretive structural model. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 13(2), 87-106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40171-012-0008-3
Taljaard, S., Slinger, J. H., Arabi, S., Weerts, S. P., & Vreugdenhil, H. (2021). The natural environment in port development: A ‘green handbrake’ or an equal partner? Ocean & Coastal Management, 199, 105390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2020.105390
Tan, A. Y. N., Loh, H. S., Hsieh, C. H., & Rojas Lopez, M. C. (2025). Adoption of digital technologies in the maritime industry: Insights from Singapore. Maritime Technology and Research, 7(3), 275821. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2025.275821
Teng, M., Yuejing, G., Yu, H., & Zhiding, H. U. (2017). Influential factors and effects of border ports on carrier cities at micro-scale: A case study of Sino-Myanmar border ports in Dehong prefecture. Tropical Geography, 37(2), 185-192.
Thakur, P., & Wilson, V. H. (2024). Analysis of barriers affecting the adoption of community solar from consumer’s perspective: A hybrid ISM-DEMATEL approach. Energy & Environment, 35(1), 113-141. https://doi.org/10.1177/0958305X221122930
Twrdy, E., & Zanne, M. (2020). Improvement of the sustainability of ports logistics by the development of innovative green infrastructure solutions. Transportation Research Procedia, 45, 539-546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2020.03.059
Vakili, S., Ölçer, A. I., Schönborn, A., Ballini, F., & Hoang, A. T. (2022). Energy‐related clean and green framework for shipbuilding community towards zero‐emissions: A strategic analysis from concept to case study. International Journal of Energy Research, 46(14), 20624-20649. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.7649
Varese, E., Bux, C., Amicarelli, V., & Lombardi, M. (2022). Assessing dry Ports’ environmental sustainability. Environments, 9(9), 117. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9090117
Vu, V. V., Le, P. T., Do, T. M. T., Nguyen, T. T. H., Tran, N. B. M., Paramasivam, P., Le, T. T., Le, H. C., & Chau, T. H. (2024). An insight into the application of AI in maritime and logistics toward sustainable transportation. JOIV : International Journal on Informatics Visualization, 8(1), 158. https://doi.org/10.62527/joiv.8.1.2641
Wang, B., Liu, Q., Wang, L., Chen, Y., & Wang, J. (2023). A review of the port carbon emission sources and related emission reduction technical measures. Environmental Pollution, 320, 121000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121000
Wang, J., Zhong, M., Wang, T., & Ge, Y. E. (2023). Identifying industry-related opinions on shore power from a survey in China. Transport Policy, 134, 65-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2023.02.010
Wu, M., Wu, Y., He, J., Xu, M., Zhang, T., & Liu, F. (2022). Barrier identification, analysis and solutions of hydrogen energy storage application in multiple power scenarios based on improved DEMATAL-ISM approach. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 47(71), 30329-30346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.07.009
Yakan Dündar, S. D. (2020). Observing the water quality in the vicinity of green ports located in the Marmara Sea, Turkey. Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi, 6(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.28979/comufbed.660739
Ye, J. (2013). Multicriteria decision-making method using the correlation coefficient under single-valued neutrosophic environment. International Journal of General Systems, 42(4), 386-394. https://doi.org/10.1080/03081079.2012.761609
Yin, M., Wang, Y., & Zhang, Q. (2020). Policy implementation barriers and economic analysis of shore power promotion in China. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 87, 102506. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2020.102506
Zhang, Z., Song, C., Zhang, J., Chen, Z., Liu, M., Aziz, F., Kurniawan, T. A., & Yap, P. S. (2024). Digitalization and innovation in green ports: A review of current issues, contributions and the way forward in promoting sustainable ports and maritime logistics. Science of The Total Environment, 912, 169075. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169075
Żukowska, S. (2020). Concept of green ports. Case study of the Seaport in Gdynia. Prace Komisji Geografii Komunikacji PTG, 23(3), 61-68. https://doi.org/10.4467/2543859XPKG.20.020.12788
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Maritime Technology and Research
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
