Framework of key success criteria for high performance and sustainable ports (energy perspective)

Abstract

In the past, ports are merely seen as an interface between land and sea for the carriage of cargoes. However, as the importance of trade and prominence of globalization grows, the role of ports had evolved from the former definition to one that is a focal point in the world supply chain. Existing port’s performance literature are mainly focused on productivity criteria or indicators that includes faster cargo movement or vessel turnaround time. However, there is a lack of literature on the aspect on sustainable port management, in specific, the role of energy in driving ports’ performance and reputation and how ports can in turn exert influence in its control on energy production and consumption. In order to meet increasing expectations on the Port of Singapore’s performance by stakeholders, this report focused on the 6 requisite pillars of sustainable energy. The 6 sustainable energy pillars are 1) Energy Mix 2) Energy Efficiency 3) Energy Security 4) Energy Ethics 5) Energy Governance 6) Energy Partnership. The rationale for these 6 pillars in context to port’s sustainable development are detailed via the latter literature review done with 25 identified relevant sustainable energy criteria.Each of the 25 criteria are grouped accordingly to its matching pillars. This report establish a framework of relevant criteria that need to be prioritized by conducting an analysis of these criteria using a survey population with port-related background. These 25 criteria are subsequently categorized into a framework of Main Criteria and Secondary Criteria based on their perceived importance following the analysis of the survey results. Some of the Main and Secondary Criteria are subsequently assessed to shed more information on why they are prioritized for the development of the Port of Singapore. The framework is later used as a foundation for the formulation of a Hexagon Model assessment sheet to evaluate other ports around the world.