UMT Journal Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
Not a member yet
284 research outputs found
Sort by
TOWARD ZERO-CARBON SHIPPING IN MALAYSIA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF WTT AND TTW EMISSIONS
The maritime sector in Malaysia is at a critical juncture in its pursuit of zero-carbon shipping, which requires a strategic shift toward cleaner fuel alternatives. This study conducts a comparative analysis of Well-to-Tank (WTT) and Tank-to-Wake (TTW) emissions for six alternative marine fuels namely liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, biofuels, green ammonia, hydrogen and shore power. Drawing on internationally recognised emission factors and contextualised with Malaysia’s energy profile, the analysis reveals significant variations in emissions distribution across fuel types. Fuels such as green ammonia, hydrogen, and shore power exhibit zero TTW emissions, positioning them as long-term solutions, while biofuels offer a viable transitional pathway with a balanced emissions profile. Conversely, LNG and fossil methanol remain TTW-dominant and offer limited GHG reduction. The study presents a policy-oriented fuel selection framework, emphasising the importance of aligning fuel strategies with national decarbonisation goals, grid decarbonisation progress, and infrastructure readiness. The findings aim to support Malaysia’s transition towards a sustainable and climate-resilient maritime sector
CRITICAL FACTORS AFFECTING EFFICIENT YARD PLANNING IN A SEAPORT CONTAINER TERMINAL
Operations at a container yard within a port terminal represent one of the most complex aspects of terminal operations, as both inbound and outbound container flows must be handled simultaneously. Yard planning involves allocating appropriate storage locations for these containers in order to integrate all activities within the terminal area into a seamless operation. Consequently, yard planning directly influences port efficiency by addressing the storage allocation of inbound containers, the utilisation of yard equipment, and the retrieval sequence of outbound containers. Several factors determine the efficiency of the yard planning process. The main objective of this paper is to explore and identify the factors affecting yard planning and its efficiency from the perspective of port terminal executives. A questionnaire survey was conducted with the participation of 30 port industry professionals representing the three port terminals operating at the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka. The study employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to identify the critical factors influencing yard planning efficiency and to determine the relative weight of each factor. The paper further offers managerial and technical implications for improving yard planning in port terminal management
MITIGATING CARGO DAMAGE IN CONTAINERISED SHIPPING: A HYBRID ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS AND STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS
The introduction of containerisation has profoundly transformed global trade by significantly improving efficiency of cargo handling and transportation processes. Nevertheless, cargo damage during transit continues to pose a considerable challenge, resulting in financial losses and deteriorating customer confidence. This study aims to identify and analyse the principal causes of cargo damage namely, machinery and equipment failure, human-related factors, marine incidents, environmental conditions, and theft as well as to evaluate strategies for mitigating these risks. Employing a structured methodology that integrates the spider web analytical technique with the average rating value method, the study prioritises these risk factors based on their relative impact. The findings indicate that proper maintenance of equipment and continuous personnel training are the most effective strategies for reducing cargo damage. The study offers practical recommendations for shipping companies seeking to improve operational safety, reliability, and overall efficiency in containerised freight transport
The Effect of Privatisation on Seaport Productivity: A DEA-MPI Based Comparative Analysis of Pre- and Post-Concession at the Dar es Salaam Maritime Terminal
Seaports are vital components of the global supply chain, and their efficiency and productivity are critical factors in facilitating international trade and economic development. In response to increasing competition and the need for enhanced performance, many governments around the world have pursued various port reforms, with terminal concessions being one of the most significant strategies. This study assesses the effect of privatisation on seaport productivity by comparing pre-concession operations under a public entity, i.e., Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), with the post-concession operations under a private entity, i.e., Dubai Ports World (DP World), at Dar es Salaam seaport. The Data Envelopment Analysis-Malmquist Productivity Index (DEA-MPI) model is deployed to reveal the change in efficiency, technology, and productivity over a 12-month period of operations under each terminal operator. The findings show notable disparities in efficiency, technological, and productivity change over the period of analysis. More specifically, the privatisation of container operations has increased operational efficiency, and improved seaport technology and productivity over the period of analysis. The increase in productivity at Dar es Salaam seaport is exhibited in terms of increased cargo throughput and reduced ship turnaround time. The study concluded that terminal concessions can significantly enhance seaport performance when supported by positive efficiency change and technological change
Phytochemical study on black pepper berries (Piper nigrum L.)
Black pepper is one of the well-known spices rich in aromatic and medicinal components, along with substantial levels of several other functional components that have health-promoting properties. The use of black pepper has been recorded in various fields such as traditional medicine, food processing, and the pharmaceutical industry. It is also recognised as an important source of natural antioxidants that have anticarcinogenic properties. In this study, a chemical investigation using black pepper berries (Piper nigrum) was conducted. The purpose of doing that is to determine the chemical component of this species. The sequential maceration extraction methods utilising solvents with different polarities, namely hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol, yielded the corresponding crude extracts. The quantitative phytochemical analysis was performed on the crude extracts. Separation and isolation work was focused on the dichloromethane crude extract using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), Column Chromatography (CC), and Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography (PTLC). The outcomes revealed that the berries of P. nigrum contained alkaloid, terpenoid, steroid, and flavonoid metabolites. Two semi-pure compounds have been isolated from the dichloromethane crude extract. The obtained compounds were analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer. Based on the FTIR spectrums and previous studies, these semi-pure compounds, K1A (2) and K3C (3), are expected to be 2, 4-di-tert-butylphenol and ethyl linoleate, respectively. This significant data provides preliminary findings that may lead to further purification and structure determination as a potential source of herbal medicinal compounds
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF RECENT STUDIES ON CONTAINER THROUGHPUT FORECASTING
This study investigates container throughput forecasting by examining recent scholarly contributions and the forecasting methods employed. To ensure a comprehensive and systematic review of the academic literature, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A total of 57 documents, published since 2014 and retrieved from the Scopus database, were selected from an initial pool of 156 records. Bibliometric analysis of these documents revealed that the most commonly applied methods fall into categories such as neural networks and machine learning approaches, traditional statistical models, optimisation algorithms, decomposition techniques, grey models, and support vector machines. Among these, neural networks and machine learning approaches, along with traditional statistical models, emerge as the most prominent. Elsevier is identified as the leading publisher of journal articles, while IOP Publishing is noted for contributing the most conference papers. Asia is recognised as the dominant region for container throughput forecasting research, with China recognised as the foremost global contributor. Additionally, Dalian Maritime University is highlighted as the most active institution between corresponding authors
REVOLUTIONISING FREIGHT LOGISTICS: THE ROLE OF BLOCKCHAIN IN CARGO HANDLING OPERATIONS
This paper explores how blockchain technology is transforming freight handling in the logistics sector by examining its effects on cargo handling operations. To ensure a comprehensive review of the academic literature and to identify relevant documents, the study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An analysis was conducted on 21 documents (out of 103), published between 2019 and 2024, which were retrieved from the Scopus database. The findings reveal that blockchain technology significantly enhances cargo handling by improving efficiency, transparency, and data security through real-time tracking, automated verification, and immutable data storage—thereby transforming traditional logistics operations into more reliable, cost-effective, and trustworthy systems. This review offers valuable insights for logistics professionals, supply chain managers, policymakers, and technology developers seeking to improve cargo handling through innovative digital solutions
Navigating the Dark Side of the Blue Economy: Integrating Blue Crime Governance into Sustainable Ocean Development
The Blue Economy promises sustainable ocean-based growth, but is increasingly threatened by rising illicit maritime activities, known as Blue Crimes, including piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and environmental offences. These crimes erode economic stability, damage ecosystems, and weaken governance, yet their relationship to Blue Economy development remains insufficiently theorised. This paper develops an integrated framework that positions Blue Crime governance as essential to sustainable ocean development. Using a conceptual and integrative review of interdisciplinary scholarship and reports from global institutions, the study shows that Blue Crimes undermine the Blue Economy through interconnected economic, ecological and institutional pathways, especially in regions with fragile governance. The paper introduces the “Whole-of-Ocean Governance” model, emphasising coordinated approaches that link security, environmental management and social inclusion. By embedding crime prevention and justice within the sustainability discourse, the study offers a novel contribution that strengthens efforts toward achieving SDGs 14 and 16
Ship Recycling: Contribution to Circular Economy and Index of Overall Impact
Ship recycling (SR) with significant socio-economic benefits contributes to the circular economy by salvaging and reusing valuable materials. However, SR generates toxic substances which end up in coastal water and landfills, increasing environmental risks. The paper considers relevant indicators in various units under five dimensions, namely: Economic (Direct benefits), Economic (Indirect benefits), Economic (Induced benefits), Environment and Safety issues. These dimensions were combined to get unit free index reflecting the overall impact of ship-breaking in the t-th year from the base year. The index also enables assessment of progress across time, identification of critical indicators requiring corrective managerial action and can be expressed as IEconomic impact * IEnvironmental impact * ISafety impact. Increasing trend of and decreasing trend of are signs of an improved SR process. The indices may be computed separately for national, regional, industry and firm/operation levels. Assessment and monitoring of indicators will help India’s efforts to promote green SR, integrating SR with ship building, and emerging as a global leader in SR and pushing the country’s endeavours to be a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy through sustainable recycling practices
Mapping the Intersections of the Blue Economy and Blue Crime: A Multi-Method Bibliometric, Thematic, and Factorial Analysis
The rise of the Blue Economy as a framework for sustainable ocean development is increasingly challenged by Blue Crime, including illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy, trafficking and environmental offences that threaten ecological resilience and governance stability. This study presents the first multi-method mapping of scholarship at the Blue Economy-Blue Crime nexus, using integrated bibliometric, thematic and factorial analyses of Scopus and Web of Science publications from 2015 to 2024. Research output has surged since 2019, reflecting global attention to SDG 14 and maritime security concerns. Two primary thematic clusters emerge: Governance- and sustainability focused research on ocean policy integration and security-oriented studies on crime typologies, enforcement gaps and regional vulnerabilities, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea and Western Indian Ocean. Factorial and conceptual analyses reveal a persistent divide between security-driven and sustainability-driven scholarship, underscoring field fragmentation. Despite emerging collaborations, knowledge production remains regionally concentrated. This synthesis offers an evidence-based roadmap for advancing interdisciplinary research and informing policy to secure and sustain the Blue Economy.