Development of a method for evaluating the environmental performance of ports based on the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP)

Background: Evaluating ports' environmental performance as one of the two main parts of the maritime transport system is of great importance. This study was designed and conducted to develop a method for evaluating ports' environmental performance based on the fuzzy analytical hierarchical process. Method: The present study was conducted in 2020 with the participation of 22 experts in the field of environment and marine sciences. The study steps included a comprehensive review of the literature, design of an environmental performance evaluation questionnaire, development of a questionnaire in a Delphi study, and a method for evaluating environmental performance in ports based on a fuzzy hierarchical analysis process. Results: Based on the results of the fuzzy analytical hierarchical process, the final normalized weight for six factors of environmental performance, including reactive performance, active performance, sustainability, socio-cultural, economic, and governance, were estimated to be 0.202, 0.241, 0.226, 0.070, 0.080 and 0.182 respectively. Besides, it was found that each of the parameters in the factors affecting the environmental performance has a different weight and impact. The highest and lowest effects on the environmental performance index in this study belonged to the environmental risk assessment parameters with a weight of 0.217 (active performance factor) and cultural and justice effects with a weight of 0.107 (socio-cultural factor). Conclusion: In this study, a novel method for evaluating ports' environmental performance has been developed based on 6 factors and 32 parameters, and the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process approach. Therefore, using this method can be a practical step towards improving the level of environmental performance in ports to achieve the goal of "green port."