Competitiveness and Customer Satisfaction for The Sustainability of Batangas International Port
About this article
Abstract
This study investigates the interrelationship between competitiveness and customer satisfaction as essential components for ensuring the sustainability of Batangas International Port (BIP). Utilizing a descriptive–correlational design, 130 stakeholders comprising shipping line representatives, importers, and customs brokers participated through a validated survey. The study examined BIP’s competitiveness in terms of infrastructure quality, liner shipping connectivity, and operating efficiency, alongside customer satisfaction dimensions such as resources, outcomes, processes, management, and social responsibility. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that BIP demonstrates high competitiveness in infrastructure and operational efficiency, with overall customer satisfaction rated moderate to high. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r = .71, p < .01) confirmed a strong positive relationship between competitiveness and satisfaction, signifying that port competitiveness is a key determinant of sustainability. Recommendations include enhancing international connectivity, adopting digital innovations, and embedding sustainable management systems for long-term viability.
Keywords
- Competitiveness
- Customer Satisfaction
- Sustainability
References
[1] ASEAN Secretariat (2023). ASEAN single shipping market: Policy framework and implementation roadmap. ASEAN Secretariat.
[2] Budiyanto, A. (2016). Energy-saving performance in reefer container terminals: Toward green port initiatives. Journal of Sustainable Transport, 12(4), 233–245.
[3] Cho, H., & Kim, S. (2015). Examining container port resources and environments to enhance competitiveness: A cross-country study. Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics, 31(3), 341–362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajsl.2015.09.002
[4] De la Cruz, J. P., & Garcia, M. R. (2021). Operational performance and congestion challenges of Philippine ports. Philippine Journal of Maritime Studies, 9(2), 55–70.
[5] Kramberger, T., Kovačić, M., & Jereb, B. (2022). Digital transformation and operational efficiency in smart ports. Sustainability, 14(7), 4213. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074213
View more references (12)
[6] Lam, J. S. L., & Notteboom, T. (2014). The greening of ports: A comparison of port management tools used by leading ports in Asia and Europe. Transport Reviews, 34(2), 169–189. https://doi.org/10.1080/01441647.2014.891162
[7] Lee, C., & Lam, J. S. L. (2024). Smart and green port strategies for sustainable logistics. Maritime Economics & Logistics, 26(1), 45–62.
[8] Martínez-Moya, J., Feo-Valero, M., & García-Menéndez, L. (2025). Transshipment port competitiveness index: Connectivity and efficiency perspec-tives. Maritime Economics & Logistics, 27(2), 189–205.
[9] Parasuraman, A., Zeithaml, V. A., & Berry, L. L. (1988). SERVQUAL: A multiple-item scale for measuring consumer perceptions of service quality. Journal of Retailing, 64(1), 12–40.
[10] Phan, D. T., Nguyen, L. K., & Le, H. (2023). Determinants of customer satisfaction in Southeast Asian ports. Journal of Maritime Business, 15(2), 88–103.
[11] Tagawa, Y., Takahashi, T., & Nakamura, H. (2025). Port cooperation and connectivity in East Asia: A network science approach. Journal of Ship-ping and Trade, 10(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41072-025-00204-4
[12] Thai, V. V. (2008). Service quality in maritime transport: Conceptual model and empirical evidence. Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, 20(4), 493–518. https://doi.org/10.1108/13555850810909777
[13] Tongzon, J., & Heng, W. (2005). Port privatization, efficiency and competitiveness: Some empirical evidence. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 39(5), 405–424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2005.02.001
[14] UNCTAD (2023). Review of maritime transport 2023. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
[15] Wang, T., & Cullinane, K. (2006). The efficiency of European container terminals and implications for supply chain management. Maritime Econom-ics & Logistics, 8(1), 82–99. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.mel.9100151
[16] Yeo, G., & Dang, V. L. (2017). A competitive strategic position analysis of major container ports in Southeast Asia. Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics, 33(1), 19–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajsl.2017.03.003
[17] Zhou, H., & Suh, S. (2025). Measuring port service quality in the era of smart ports: A ROPMIS framework application. Systems, 13(6), 486. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13060486Budiyanto, A. (2016). Energy-saving performance in reefer container terminals: Toward green port initia-tives. Journal of Sustainable Transport, 12(4), 233–245.