Exploratory Study on the Growth Challenges for Medium-Sized Ports: A Practical Application of QCA in Identifying the Links Between Seaborne Trade Imbalances and Expansion Opportunities

Abstract

The imbalance of seaborne trade poses significant challenges to medium-sized ports, creating an undesirable disequilibrium between import and export cargo flows. This imbalance can lead to various impacts that compromise port operational planning and development. However, the lack of comprehensive studies and inadequate attention to the specific nature of Malaysian medium-sized ports has left the potential impacts associated with trade imbalances largely unexplored, increasing the vulnerability of these ports. This study aims to address the gap by exploring the potential impacts arising from seaborne trade imbalances in medium-sized Malaysian ports. Through a systematic qualitative research framework and qualitative content analysis, the research captures insights from field experts and established literature to identify key themes and categories of impacts. The study highlights five primary areas impacted by trade imbalances: cargo handling, transport operations, port services and performance, port revenue and profits, and port planning and expansion. By providing empirical perspectives on the impacts encountered by Malaysian medium-sized ports, this research fills a significant void in current literature and contributes valuable information for decision- and policy-makers. The findings also reveal impacts that could affect broader port development potentials, ultimately guiding future research and policymaking to bolster port resilience and sustainability.