Purpose – Because container terminals (CTs) are brokerAQ: 3 organizations, their interest has complex, various
internal and external factors, the purpose of this study is to scrutiny and structure the factors affecting the
interests of the CT.
Design/methodology/approach – In terms of purpose, this study is a developmental study that, are
identified the factors related to the interests of the CT through studying the library and interviewing experts
and then the degree of influence of each factor on each other by using the interview with experts of CT in
Bushehr province are determined. Then, the fuzzy DEMATEL method is used to calculate the feedback loop
of the indicators, and then the matrix obtained Fcmapper software and the fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) is
drawn.
Findings – According to the FCM analysis, three important factors are centrality identified in terms of
attracting capital, quality of service and efficiency. In addition, there are three factors, attracting capital,
operator performance and law have high outdegree.
Originality/value – This research has identified 34 effective indicators of CT interests and evaluated their
relationship with FCM. In the available researches, all these indicators measurement has not been evaluated
together. Furthermore, fuzzy DEMATEL has been used to evaluate self-loops. Another contribution of this
research is the introduction of a strategic route as a roadmap for CT managers in Bushehr province to decide
on the interests of a CT.