Efficiency and Sustainability of Bangkok Port Barge Transport: A Comparative Analysis with Feeder Vessels Under Thailand's Logistics Strategy

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness and sustainability of using barge versus feeder vessels to transport containerized cargo to Bangkok Port, Thailand. A survey of 387 stakeholders in marine logistics was conducted from October to December 2024. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) showed that cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and operational flexibility primarily influenced transport mode choice, explaining 56.2% of the variance. Cost-effectiveness emerged as the key factor, while environmental impact was the strongest predictor of perceived sustainability. While operators favored feeders due to cost and time efficiency, barges scored higher due to environmental friendliness and operational flexibility. Notably, 68% of respondents preferred barges for short routes under 100 km due to their role in reducing road congestion and pollution. Furthermore, 73% expected greater barge use over the next five years, driven by technology and environmental policies. Improved waterway infrastructure would lead 82% to use barges more frequently, and 76% believed better intermodal integration would enhance logistics efficiency. This study is limited to the context of Thailand’s domestic maritime logistics and stakeholder perceptions, which may not be fully generalizable to other ASEAN or global port systems. Future research should explore multi-country comparative studies and assess longitudinal trends as green port policies evolve across Southeast Asia.