1. ¹Department of Maritime Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. E-mail: ccugboma@yahoo.com
2. ²Department of Transport Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, West Africa. E-mail: ogougboma23@yahoo.com and E-mail: icogwude@yahoo.com

Abstract

This study presents the findings of a survey to determine the service characteristics that shippers consider important when selecting a port and the way these characteristics are prioritised according to their importance. Seven criteria for the port selection decision and four ports were identified, and the decision problem was structured into a three-level hierarchy using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The findings suggest that shippers place high emphasis on efficiency, frequency of ship visits and adequate infrastructure, while quick response to port users' needs was insignificant to them. Results from the study are of interest to Port managers because they provide essential information on the key factors that come into the decision process of port users, thus, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the ports.