Towards sustainable freeports: a novel assessment framework and new enhancement solutions

Liang, X (2025) Towards sustainable freeports: a novel assessment framework and new enhancement solutions. Doctoral thesis, Liverpool John Moores University.

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Abstract

Freeports and their equivalents, such as free trade zones, play a pivotal role in fostering economic development by driving regional growth, attracting investment, and enhancing trade facilitation. They are designed to create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and integrate domestic economies into the global market through the adoption of advanced technology and management practices. However, the long-term success of freeports is contingent upon addressing challenges related to environmental issues, cargo theft, illicit trade, and technological innovation and integration. This research aims to develop a new, comprehensive framework for assessing freeport sustainability, allowing authorities to track progress and identify challenges in freeport development. Additionally, it explores cost-effective security measures and reliable, technology-driven solutions to enhance sustainability practices within freeports.
The thesis begins with a literature review focusing on the impacts of freeports and methods for sustainability assessments in related fields. It highlights key research gaps and outlines applicable theories and methods to address these gaps. This is followed by four detailed studies. The first study develops a novel framework for quantitatively assessing the sustainability of freeports. This framework integrates Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across multiple dimensions and various data types into a unified structure using the Evidential Reasoning (ER) algorithm. A case study in a UK freeport demonstrates the model's validity and practical applicability. Additionally, the framework incorporates KPIs within both hierarchical and network structures, with the latter requiring methods beyond the ER approach for evaluation. To address this challenge, the second study introduces a data-driven Bayesian Network (BN) model to predict cargo theft incidents (a network-driven KPI) in freight supply chains by analysing critical Risk Influencing Factors (RIFs) from historical data. This model is validated through multiple methods, offering new methodological insights for future research in risk prediction. Consequently, the first two studies collaboratively establish a comprehensive and flexible sustainability assessment framework for freeports, employing a hybrid Bayesian Network and Evidential Reasoning (BNER) model.
Furthermore, this thesis promotes innovative solutions that address key challenges in developing sustainable freeports, with a focus on achieving a balance between security, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. In recognition of the critical roles of customs inspection efficiency and information technology in fostering sustainable freeports, the third study addresses container inspection strategies under resource constraints using a two-stage methodology that combines risk assessment and optimisation models. This approach translates risk-based container inspection theories into practical solutions, enabling efficient allocation of inspection resources in freeports. Concurrently, the final study attempts to underscore the blockchain’s potential to enhance the security and efficiency of freeport operations by analysing the barriers to its adoption. It analyses probabilistic causal relationships among these barriers using a hybrid Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory and Bayesian Network (DEMATEL-BN) methodology. This study provides critical insights for facilitating the digital transformation of freeports.
This research makes significant contributions to advancing the sustainability of freeports, with implications that extend to the broader maritime and supply chain sectors. The findings deepen the understanding of critical concerns surrounding freeport sustainability and offer actionable insights for industry practitioners and policymakers. They support the development of cost-effective strategies to mitigate freeport risks associated with cargo theft and illicit trade, as well as the formulation of practical digital transformation plans. By addressing these critical challenges, the thesis supports the sustainable and secure growth of freeports, enhancing their role as key facilitators of global trade and economic development.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Freeport; Sustainability; Assessment framework; Container inspection strategy; Blockchain adoption; Cargo theft; Illicit trade; Risk modelling; Optimisation
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Divisions:	Engineering
Date of acceptance:	9 May 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	23 June 2025
Date Deposited:	23 Jun 2025 08:55
Last Modified:	23 Jun 2025 08:55
DOI or ID number:	10.24377/LJMU.t.00026351
Supervisors:	Yang, Z, Fan, S, Lucy, J, Li, H and Gao, Y
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26351

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