Research Article

An interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set-based multi-criteria decision-making model for evaluating decarbonization criteria in maritime transport

Number: Advanced Online Publication Early Pub Date: September 1, 2026

An interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set-based multi-criteria decision-making model for evaluating decarbonization criteria in maritime transport

Abstract

Decarbonization in maritime transport has become an increasingly important strategic issue in response to growing environmental pressures, expanding regulatory obligations, and the sector’s need for transformation. This process, however, goes beyond technical innovation or the adoption of alternative fuels alone. It also requires a broader assessment of multiple factors such as infrastructure adequacy, energy management, emissions monitoring, operational feasibility, and institutional preparedness. The aim of this study is to identify the relative importance of the criteria affecting the decarbonization process in maritime transport through the Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (IVPF-AHP) method. Based on the evaluations of five experts with relevant field knowledge, a multi criteria decision model was developed and the criteria were analyzed according to their order of priority. The findings show that decision makers assign the greatest importance to low carbon equipment, shore power, emissions measurement and reporting, fleet modernization, and energy monitoring and management systems. By contrast, social responsibility, training and awareness, and regulatory compliance received lower weights. The results indicate that decarbonization in maritime transport cannot be understood simply as a matter of seeking alternative technologies. Rather, it requires a comprehensive transformation approach that brings together feasible technical investments and measurable performance mechanisms. The study is expected to contribute to the literature by offering a holistic prioritization framework that takes uncertainty into account and by providing decision support for sector practitioners.

Keywords

Thanks

The authors would like to thank all individuals and institutions who contributed to the development of this study.

References

  1. Akgül, E. F. (2024). Navigating decarbonization: Examining shipping companies’ fleet modernization strategies worldwide. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Denizcilik Fakültesi Dergisi, 16(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.18613/deudfd.1418186
  2. Al Lawati, E. H., Singh, V. V., Pal, A., Gootam, S., Raj, P., & Munaqib, P. (2026). A multi-criteria decision model for enhancing green business and marketing strategies: insights from Pythagorean fuzzy-AHP. Management & Sustainability: An Arab Review, In press. https://doi.org/10.1108/MSAR-01-2025-0025
  3. Atanassov, K. (1986). Intuitionistic fuzzy sets. Fuzzy Sets and Systems, 20(1), 87-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-0114(86)80034-3
  4. Ayyildiz, E., & Taskin Gumus, A. (2021). Pythagorean fuzzy AHP based risk assessment methodology for hazardous material transportation: an application in Istanbul. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28(27), 35798-35810. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-13223-y
  5. Balcombe, P., Brierley, J., Lewis, C., Skatvedt, L., Speirs, J., Hawkes, A., & Staffell, I. (2019). How to decarbonise international shipping: Options for fuels, technologies and policies. Energy Conversion and Management, 182, 72-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2018.12.080
  6. Bilgili, L. (2022). A discussion on alternative fuel criteria for maritime transport. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin, 11(3), 352-360. https://doi.org/10.33714/masteb.1145994
  7. Bulak, M. E., Turan, H., Kozanoğlu, O., Taşkıran, A., Çiftçi, F. S., & Chebli, M. A. (2026). Enabling sustainable and technology‐driven health systems: A fuzzy quality function deployment approach for advancing healthcare 4.0. Sustainable Development, In press. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.70739
  8. Camargo-Díaz, C. P., Paipa-Sanabria, E., Zapata-Cortes, J. A., Aguirre-Restrepo, Y., & Quiñones-Bolaños, E. E. (2022). A review of economic incentives to promote decarbonization alternatives in maritime and inland waterway transport modes. Sustainability, 14(21), 14405. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114405

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Maritime Business Administration, Maritime Transportation and Freight Services

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

September 1, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

April 7, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 28, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

APA
Turgut, M., & Gürsoy, İ. (2026). An interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set-based multi-criteria decision-making model for evaluating decarbonization criteria in maritime transport. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin, Advanced Online Publication, 172-185. https://doi.org/10.33714/masteb.1924939
AMA
1.Turgut M, Gürsoy İ. An interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set-based multi-criteria decision-making model for evaluating decarbonization criteria in maritime transport. Mar. Sci. Tech. Bull. 2026;(Advanced Online Publication):172-185. doi:10.33714/masteb.1924939
Chicago
Turgut, Muhammed, and İpek Gürsoy. 2026. “An Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Set-Based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Evaluating Decarbonization Criteria in Maritime Transport”. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin, no. Advanced Online Publication: 172-85. https://doi.org/10.33714/masteb.1924939.
EndNote
Turgut M, Gürsoy İ (September 1, 2026) An interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set-based multi-criteria decision-making model for evaluating decarbonization criteria in maritime transport. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin Advanced Online Publication 172–185.
IEEE
[1]M. Turgut and İ. Gürsoy, “An interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set-based multi-criteria decision-making model for evaluating decarbonization criteria in maritime transport”, Mar. Sci. Tech. Bull., no. Advanced Online Publication, pp. 172–185, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.33714/masteb.1924939.
ISNAD
Turgut, Muhammed - Gürsoy, İpek. “An Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Set-Based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Evaluating Decarbonization Criteria in Maritime Transport”. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin. Advanced Online Publication (September 1, 2026): 172-185. https://doi.org/10.33714/masteb.1924939.
JAMA
1.Turgut M, Gürsoy İ. An interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set-based multi-criteria decision-making model for evaluating decarbonization criteria in maritime transport. Mar. Sci. Tech. Bull. 2026;:172–185.
MLA
Turgut, Muhammed, and İpek Gürsoy. “An Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Set-Based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Evaluating Decarbonization Criteria in Maritime Transport”. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin, no. Advanced Online Publication, Sept. 2026, pp. 172-85, doi:10.33714/masteb.1924939.
Vancouver
1.Muhammed Turgut, İpek Gürsoy. An interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set-based multi-criteria decision-making model for evaluating decarbonization criteria in maritime transport. Mar. Sci. Tech. Bull. 2026 Sep. 1;(Advanced Online Publication):172-85. doi:10.33714/masteb.1924939

27116