Title: Operational strategies for the transformation of container port logistics systems with automation technologies: sustainability improvements

Authors: Punarut Sirichokpokin; Trakarn Prapaspongsa; Jun Ren; Duangpun Kritchanchai

Addresses: Graduate Program in Logistics and Engineering Management, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand ' Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand ' Department of Maritime and Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

Abstract: Automation technologies have garnered significant interest to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in maritime transportation ports. However, there is a lack of academic research focused on the sustainability to implementing automation technology as an operational strategy. Therefore, the objective of this study is to formulate comprehensive operational strategies for container port logistics systems (CPLS) in three dimensions: environment, economy and society, with the integration of automation technology. To achieve this goal, the study employs analytic hierarchy process (AHP), importance-performance analysis (IPA) technique, and a scoring matrix measurement to guide the development of operational strategies. The findings of the study highlight the importance of emphasising sustainability indicators that consider both their importance and performance in driving container port sustainability improvements. Additionally, the study underscores the significance of reengineering processes within CPLS and allocating port resources based on the prioritisation of indicators to ensure the successful development of port operational strategies.

Keywords: port logistics systems; port sustainability; sustainable operational strategy; port automation; analytic hierarchy process; AHP; importance-performance analysis; IPA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2026.152609

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2026 Vol.53 No.3, pp.425 - 450

Received: 23 Jul 2023
Accepted: 26 Jul 2023
Published online: 31 Mar 2026 *

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