International Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain

- Headed and Managed by Dr. Ada Ng Suk Fung

This research area is headed by Dr. Ada S.F. Ng. The principal concern is to look at the interplay of shipping, ports, logistics and supply chain operations in an increasingly globalised and integrated world. Research projects are designed to look at the performances of components of the system.

Current Research Topics

Ports operations performance and comparison of port productivities

Principal Investigators: Dr. Ada Ng Suk Fung and Lee Chee Xui


This research aims to measure the performance of Malaysian container ports in terms of productivity, efficiency and effectiveness by using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach. Both cross sectional and panel data are used for measuring the relative performance among Malaysian container ports. Besides, Singapore port is introduced as a benchmark to estimate the performance of Malaysian ports with respect to world standard.

Network models for container shipping

Principal Investigators: Mr. Niranjan Krishnan and Gan Li Fern


Network planning for container shipping involves managing the movement of vessels and containers with a given set of resources. We develop models for designing the fleet network and routing laden and empty containers over the fleet network.

Port competition and cooperation

Principal Investigators: Dr. Ada S. F. Ng, Dr. Leong Choon Heng, Andy L.C. Lim and Khairuddin Mohamed


Due to the emergence of hub-and-spoke operations in the container liner industry, ports are competing among themselves to be major hubs in their regions. In this project, we are interested in the competitive criteria which can account for the success of a container regional hub. The strategies and methods employed by ports to compete with one another will also be investigated. Mathematical analysis will also be conducted to compare the competitive power of ports in the East Asian region based on the competitive criteria.

Transshipment and intermodal operations

Principal Investigators: Dr. Leong Choon Heng


This research looks at the strategies which ports use to attract transshipment cargo and promote intermodal operations. The focus is on ports which have a high level of transshipment activity.

Publications and Reports for Funded Projects in This Area

Leong, Choon Heng, "PTP and Transshipment Strategy," in Cullinane, K. and Song, D.W. (eds.), Ports in Asia: Development, Competition and Co-operation, Palgrave-Macmillan, Hampshire, UK (forthcoming in early 2006).

Leong, Choon Heng, "A Survey of World Trends Affecting the Development of Logistics Hubs." Report submitted as chapter 5 in National Transport Policy and Strategy Study. Study conducted for Minconsult Sdn Bhd and report submitted to the National Economic Action Council, Malaysia, August 2003.

Completed Student Theses in This Research Area

Lee, Chee Xui, 2005. "Malaysian Container Port Performance Measurement." - supervised by Dr. Ada S.F. Ng.

  Back