A TOPSIS-Based Approach to Evaluating the Competitiveness of Selected Container Terminals in Northern Vietnam

As global integration accelerates, ports play a pivotal role in economic development, facing increasing competition in the era of containerization. This study examines the key determinants of port competitiveness and evaluates selected container terminals in Northern Vietnam using the TOPSIS methodology. Five primary criteria, comprising 19 sub-criteria, are weighted through the Entropy algorithm, identifying terminal facilities as the most influential factor, followed by throughput, service quality, terminal charges, and location. The TOPSIS ranking provides a comparative assessment of six container terminals, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses, with Tan Vu and VIP Greenport emerging as the most competitive. By integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches, this study enhances the understanding of terminal competitiveness and offers strategic insights for terminal management and policy development. The findings contribute to optimizing terminal operations and competitiveness strategies within the evolving maritime landscape, providing a foundation for future research on performance enhancement and regional port development.