Multimodal transportation via TSR for effective Northern logistics: Perspectives of Korean logistics companies

Purpose: This paper aims to identify the factors that experts consider important for the effective operation of multimodal transport using the Trans-Siberian Railway (TSR) in the Russian Far East and to also establish operational strategies that enable Korean logistics companies to use TSR efficiently for multimodal transportation. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 65 questionnaires were distributed to predominantly Korean logistics companies/shippers with experience in TSR and 19 replies were received. The majority of the respondents are senior executives with at least 10 years of work experience. To identify the factors and present strategies, this study applied the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities -fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method, which is based on complex multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) that facilitates decision-makers in considering an operational strategy by calculating the importance of input factors. Findings: Results from the FAHP indicate that the Strengths is the main factor affecting TSR multimodal transport decisions, followed by the Threats, Opportunities and Weakness factors. In terms of rank, reduction of transportation distance and time are determined as the most crucial factor from the perspective of Korean logistics companies, followed by the northern logistics development plan, the Russian Government's willingness to the development plan, political instability and possible linkages with the Korean ports. Originality/value: Through a hybrid MCDM analysis of Korean logistics companies, three operational strategies were proposed: foreign direct and small investments in the Russian Far East, Korean logistics companies implementing a cold-chain logistics service in the fishery industry and a government-led “Block Train Integration System” to secure the minimum threshold volume of cargo for small and medium-sized companies.