A Hybrid Model to Assess Commercial Port Resilience in Taiwan

Abstract

Since 2021, international commercial ports have faced unprecedented challenges (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, Suez Canal congestion), impacting daily life, work, human well-being, properties, the environment, and socio-economic activities. The adaptation capability resilience of international commercial ports to respond to external changes has become crucial. This study develops an expert knowledge-based hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model integrating Best-Worst Method (BWM), Rough Dombi Aggregator, and Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) to evaluate port resilience capabilities, using Taiwan's international commercial ports as a case study. We propose four evaluation dimensions encompassing 13 indicators: detection capability, resistance capability, resource integration capability, and recovery capability. The BWM determined indicator weights, while the CoCoSo method explored gaps between alternatives and aspiration levels. The Rough Dombi Aggregator was used to integrate collected data, addressing expert uncertainty and inconsistent judgments. Results showed the top three weighted indicators are CIQS, Vessel Traffic Center, and human education and training. The CoCoSo analysis ranked port adaptation capability resilience as: Kaohsiung, Keelung, Taichung, Taipei, Anping, Hualien, and Suao. Management implications for improvement are provided. These findings can guide decision-making for international port authorities, shipping industry operators, and stakeholders.