Optimizing Maritime Security Strategies: A Methodological Approach Using AHP and SWOT

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose the enhancement of SWOT analysis with multicriteria decision-making technique (AHP). Therefore, the goal of applying this combined method is to improve the quantitative aspect of strategic planning regarding the best possible decision-making in the process of providing maritime security services in an unstable geoeconomic and geopolitical environment. Design/Methodology/Approach: Initially, a detailed presentation of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats is made and reflected in the relevant SWOT table. The AHP approach then achieves pairwise comparisons between factors and sub-criteria SWOT in order to prioritize them using eigenvalue calculation. Findings: Conclusions are drawn from this analysis regarding the weighting in relation to the priority of each SWOT group. Thus, it is then concluded which factor from a particular group is the most important due to the highest Overall Priority of Factor. And, of course, this analysis also gives us the ranking in priorities of the other factors based on the Overall Priority Factor. In addition, this analysis enables us to assess the consistency of our findings. Practical implications: The practical implications relate primarily to the possibility for Law Enforcemnts Agensies/Naval Forces and Shipping Companies as well to use the methodology in question in effective decision -making management, in order to optimize Maritime Security Strategies. Originality/Value: The contribution is twofold: First, using SWOT's calculations of factors and sub-criteria, an approach could be implemented regarding the support and documentation of critical decisions at strategic and operational level, since each qualitative element acquires a quantitative dimension in dealing with shipping risks and threats. Second, the results of the work could be used to synthesize a set of appropriate alternative strategies to protect international shipping activity in high-risk areas given geopolitical and geo-economic conditions.