Alternative Maritime Power application as a green port strategy: Barriers in China

Ships using auxiliary power generators when docking can cause serious air pollution and thus pose a threat to port cities. Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) technology is an effective means of pollution control, which has been used in many countries. However, a series of difficulties have surfaced during the demonstration and promotion of AMP in China. To solve the problem, this study first summarizes 12 restrictions for AMP promotion, and then analyzes to what degree the restrictions inhibit promotion and application and their interaction mechanism using the fuzzy DEMATEL model. In the final, the three key factors restricting AMP application and promotion in China, namely policies and support systems, AMP construction standard, and the laws and regulations, are explored. The study results should go a long way in helping government departments and policymakers address issues that hinder accelerated promotion and application of the AMP technology in China. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.