Intermodal Terminal Subsystem Technology Selection Using Integrated Fuzzy MCDM Model

Mladen Krstić (), Snežana Tadić, Valerio Elia, Stefania Massari and Muhammad Umar Farooq
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Mladen Krstić: Logistics Department, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, VojvodeStepe 305, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Snežana Tadić: Logistics Department, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, VojvodeStepe 305, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Valerio Elia: Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, Via per Monteronisnc, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Stefania Massari: Department of Economic Sciences, University of Salento, Via per Monteronisnc, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Muhammad Umar Farooq: Department of Business Studies, Namal University Mianwali, Mianwali 42250, Pakistan

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-17

Abstract: Intermodal transportation is the use of multiple modes of transportation, which can lead to greater sustainability by reducing environmental impact and traffic congestion and increasing the efficiency of supply chains. One of the preconditions for efficient intermodal transport is the efficient intermodal terminal (IT). ITs allow for the smooth and efficient handling of cargo, thus reducing the time, cost, and environmental impact of transportation. Adequate selection of subsystem technologies can significantly improve the efficiency and productivity of an IT, ultimately leading to cost savings for businesses and a more efficient and sustainable transportation system. Accordingly, this paper aims to establish a framework for the evaluation and selection of appropriate technologies for IT subsystems. To solve the defined problem, an innovative hybrid multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model, which combines the fuzzy factor relationship (FFARE) and the fuzzy combinative distance-based assessment (FCODAS) methods, is developed in this paper. The FFARE method is used for obtaining criteria weights, while the FCODAS method is used for evaluation and a final ranking of the alternatives. The established framework and the model are tested on a real-life case study, evaluating and selecting the handling technology for a planned IT. The study defines 12 potential variants of handling equipment based on their techno-operational characteristics and evaluates them using 16 criteria. The results indicate that the best handling technology variant is the one that uses a rail-mounted gantry crane for trans-shipment and a reach stacker for horizontal transport and storage. The results also point to the conclusion that instead of choosing equipment for each process separately, it is important to think about the combination of different handling technologies that can work together to complete a series of handling cycle processes. The main contributions of this paper are the development of a new hybrid model and the establishment of a framework for the selection of appropriate IT subsystem technologies along with a set of unique criteria for their evaluation and selection.

Keywords: intermodal transport terminal; handling technology selection; hybrid MCDM; fuzzy FARE; fuzzy CODAS; integrated FFARE–FCODAS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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