Research Article

Strategic Evaluation in Digital Trade Facilitation in Maritime: A SWOT-AHP Integrated Approach for Maritime Paperless Cross-Border Trade Systems

Volume: 12 Number: 1 March 1, 2026
TR EN

Strategic Evaluation in Digital Trade Facilitation in Maritime: A SWOT-AHP Integrated Approach for Maritime Paperless Cross-Border Trade Systems

Abstract

Paperless cross-border trade systems are increasingly shaping maritime sector, where international trade flows are heavily dependent on ports, customs authorities, and shipping companies. By replacing traditional paper-based documentation such as bills of lading, manifests, and certificates of origin with electronic formats, these systems are redefining the efficiency and transparency of global shipping operations. The rapid digitalization of maritime trade including electronic documents, electronic signatures, electronic customs portals, and single-window platforms promises enhanced efficiency, cost reduction, and transparency in global trade. However, implementation is impeded by legal misalignments, technical infrastructure gaps, and security concerns. In this research, a strategic evaluation of paperless maritime trade systems is conducted by identifying internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats through SWOT analysis, and systematically prioritizing these factors based on expert input using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results reveal that public-private sector integration between ports, customs, and shipping lines and operational efficiency enhancement are the most critical strengths, while legal and administrative harmonization deficiencies pose the top weakness. Sustainability-driven initiatives such as green ports emerge as key opportunities, whereas cyber-attacks on maritime digital systems constitute the foremost threat. The study concludes with strategic recommendations tailored to the maritime domain accelerating maritime single window adoption, harmonizing international maritime digital trade regulations, investing in port IT infrastructure, and strengthening maritime cybersecurity capacity. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the SWOT-AHP integrated approach provides a robust decision-making framework for enhancing paperless trade in the maritime sector, contributing to more resilient and sustainable global supply chains.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

No funding was received from institutions or agencies for the execution of this research.

Ethical Statement

It is declared that scientific and ethical principles have been followed while carrying out and writing this study and that all the sources used have been properly cited.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Maritime Engineering (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

October 1, 2025

Publication Date

March 1, 2026

Submission Date

August 7, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 17, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 1

APA
Kayisoglu, G. (2026). Strategic Evaluation in Digital Trade Facilitation in Maritime: A SWOT-AHP Integrated Approach for Maritime Paperless Cross-Border Trade Systems. Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences, 12(1), 48-64. https://doi.org/10.52998/trjmms.1759836
AMA
1.Kayisoglu G. Strategic Evaluation in Digital Trade Facilitation in Maritime: A SWOT-AHP Integrated Approach for Maritime Paperless Cross-Border Trade Systems. TRJMMS. 2026;12(1):48-64. doi:10.52998/trjmms.1759836
Chicago
Kayisoglu, Gizem. 2026. “Strategic Evaluation in Digital Trade Facilitation in Maritime: A SWOT-AHP Integrated Approach for Maritime Paperless Cross-Border Trade Systems”. Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences 12 (1): 48-64. https://doi.org/10.52998/trjmms.1759836.
EndNote
Kayisoglu G (March 1, 2026) Strategic Evaluation in Digital Trade Facilitation in Maritime: A SWOT-AHP Integrated Approach for Maritime Paperless Cross-Border Trade Systems. Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences 12 1 48–64.
IEEE
[1]G. Kayisoglu, “Strategic Evaluation in Digital Trade Facilitation in Maritime: A SWOT-AHP Integrated Approach for Maritime Paperless Cross-Border Trade Systems”, TRJMMS, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 48–64, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.52998/trjmms.1759836.
ISNAD
Kayisoglu, Gizem. “Strategic Evaluation in Digital Trade Facilitation in Maritime: A SWOT-AHP Integrated Approach for Maritime Paperless Cross-Border Trade Systems”. Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences 12/1 (March 1, 2026): 48-64. https://doi.org/10.52998/trjmms.1759836.
JAMA
1.Kayisoglu G. Strategic Evaluation in Digital Trade Facilitation in Maritime: A SWOT-AHP Integrated Approach for Maritime Paperless Cross-Border Trade Systems. TRJMMS. 2026;12:48–64.
MLA
Kayisoglu, Gizem. “Strategic Evaluation in Digital Trade Facilitation in Maritime: A SWOT-AHP Integrated Approach for Maritime Paperless Cross-Border Trade Systems”. Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences, vol. 12, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 48-64, doi:10.52998/trjmms.1759836.
Vancouver
1.Gizem Kayisoglu. Strategic Evaluation in Digital Trade Facilitation in Maritime: A SWOT-AHP Integrated Approach for Maritime Paperless Cross-Border Trade Systems. TRJMMS. 2026 Mar. 1;12(1):48-64. doi:10.52998/trjmms.1759836

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