Strategic SWOT Analysis of the Maritime Logistics Industry in Iran: Insights from Managerial Narratives

This paper investigates the strategic position of Iran’s maritime logistics industry by applying the SWOT framework to managerial narratives. Semi-structured interviews with experienced industry practitioners were conducted, and qualitative coding was used to identify recurring strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The findings reveal that internal strengths such as long-standing brand reputation and skilled workforce coexist with weaknesses including managerial turnover and liquidity constraints. Externally, opportunities arise from regional transit potential and digital transformation, while threats stem from sanctions, competitive regional markets, and unresolved legal risks. Based on the SWOT analysis, strategic options are proposed across the SO, WO, ST, and WT quadrants. These strategies emphasize renewing international partnerships, institutionalizing knowledge management, modernizing assets, and revitalizing marketing and branding practices. The contribution of this study lies in demonstrating how managerial narratives can be systematically translated into strategic insights through SWOT, offering actionable implications for decision-makers and enriching the literature on maritime logistics in volatile environments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Maritime Logistics ، SWOT Analysis ، Strategic Management ، Managerial Narratives ، Iran