Measuring the Maritime Potential of Nations: The CenPRISs Ocean Index, Phase One (ASEAN)

Abstract

This paper describes the methods used to construct an index to measure the maritime potential of nations. This prototype uses a limited number of variables to measure (a) the locational advantage of having a long coastline in comparison to the landmass (Maritime Potential Index MPI) , (b) the maritime economy (MEI) and (c) the degree a nation or region has utilized its maritime potential (OI). A time series of data from 2000 to 2005 for ASEAN states are used to develop the prototype. It is planned to develop the index further by adding variables and extending the regional coverage to all states of Malaysia.

Keywords: Ocean Research, National Development, Maritime Industries, Economic Geography, Development Policy, ASEAN