Identifying the Optimal Valuation Model for Maritime Data Assets with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Data are becoming the most important factor in the development of the socio-economy, and data can be reevaluated as the owner’s valuable asset, which can increase the owner’s value. Therefore, each company is fiercely competing to secure data. Even in the marine field, maritime data are being produced exponentially, but it is difficult to expect more value creation because data are only stored rather than being used. This study used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology to select a suitable valuation model necessary to discover new values for maritime data. As a result of AHP analysis of 33 experts based on the stratified factors extracted from previous studies and expert opinions, the market approach (A2) was found to be the most suitable model. In addition, the most important factors to consider when selecting a valuation model were in the order of the characteristics of the maritime data (M1), the features of the maritime data market (M2), and the features of the maritime data valuation model (M3). The potential impact of this implementation could contribute to the establishment of an intelligent technology market by estimating the value of data and developing a platform for maritime data trading, allowing for more efficient data sharing and utilization by maritime autonomous surface ships (MASSs).