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Evaluating Competitiveness of Container Shipping Operators in the Sustainability and Digitalization Era

Author

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  • Hongchu Yu

    (School of Navigation, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
    Sanya Science and Education Innovation Park of Wuhan University of Technology, Sanya 572000, China
    State Key Laboratory of Maritime Technology and Safety, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China)

  • Ming Zhang

    (School of Navigation, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
    Sanya Science and Education Innovation Park of Wuhan University of Technology, Sanya 572000, China)

  • Chang Cui

    (School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China)

  • Lei Xu

    (National Engineering Research Center for Geographic Information System, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Shi Lin

    (Hainan Strait Shipping Co., Ltd., Haikou 570311, China)

  • Jing Xu

    (Department of Geography, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA)

Abstract

This study aims to comprehensively analyze the operational status and international competitiveness of global container shipping enterprises in the era of sustainability and digitalization within the field of international container transportation. Utilizing the entropy method, this study quantitatively evaluates the direct operational strength of 14 leading container shipping enterprises while considering multiple factors including environmental protection, service quality, company scale, customer satisfaction, research and development level, and brand influence. The contributions of this study to the existing knowledge are primarily manifested in several aspects: firstly, by constructing a comprehensive evaluation framework, it offers a new perspective for assessing the international competitiveness of container shipping enterprises, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Secondly, this study emphasizes the crucial roles of environmental protection and customer service in the competitiveness of shipping enterprises, providing new strategic directions for the industry’s sustainable development and digital transformation. Lastly, through detailed analysis of the operational performance of different companies, this study provides specific improvement suggestions for shipping enterprises, aiding them in achieving more precise management and more efficient development. The research findings demonstrate that companies exhibit varied performance in different aspects, showcasing their respective strengths and challenges. Particularly, this study identifies leading enterprises that have made significant progress in environmental technology innovation and customer service, while also highlighting deficiencies in some companies regarding scale expansion and brand building. These findings not only offer valuable insights for the development of the shipping industry but also serve as a window for policymakers, investors, and consumers to gain a deeper understanding of the shipping market. Through the thorough analysis conducted in this study, we aim to contribute to the sustainable development and digital transformation of the global container shipping industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Hongchu Yu & Ming Zhang & Chang Cui & Lei Xu & Shi Lin & Jing Xu, 2024. "Evaluating Competitiveness of Container Shipping Operators in the Sustainability and Digitalization Era," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-30, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:10:p:4228-:d:1396784
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maitra, Debasish & Chandra, Saurabh & Dash, Saumya Ranjan, 2020. "Liner shipping industry and oil price volatility: Dynamic connectedness and portfolio diversification," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
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    1. Nizar, Irfan & Amarasena, Sudath Manjula & Priyantha Lalanie, P., 2025. "Steering towards carbon neutral transportation practices: A comprehensive analysis of the challenges confronting the shipping industry in Sri Lanka," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).

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