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Competition and horizontal integration in maritime freight transport

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  • Rafael Moner
  • José J. Sempere
  • Pedro Cantos
  • Oscar Álvarez

Abstract

This paper develops a theoretical model for freight transport characterized by competition between means of transport (the road and maritime sectors), where modes are perceived as differentiated products. Competitive behavior is assumed in the road freight sector, and there are constant returns to scale. In contrast, the freight maritime sector is characterized by oligopolistic behavior, where shipping lines enjoy economies of scale. The market equilibrium where the shipping lines behave as profit maximizers, provides a first approximation to the determinants of market shares, profits, and user welfare. We then characterize the equilibrium when horizontal integration of shipping lines occurs, with and without further economies of scale. An empirical application to the routes Valencia-Antwerp and Valencia-Genoa uncovers that the joint profit of the merged firms and social welfare always increase. However, user surplus only increases when economies of scale are significantly exploited.

Suggested Citation

  • Rafael Moner & José J. Sempere & Pedro Cantos & Oscar Álvarez, 2010. "Competition and horizontal integration in maritime freight transport," Working Papers 2010-13, FEDEA.
    • Handle: RePEc:fda:fdaddt:2010-13
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    8. Chen, Pingping & Zhao, Ruiqing & Lan, Yanfei, 2022. "E-commerce platform canvassing and service upgrade in an ocean shipping supply chain," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
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    10. Wang, Hua & Meng, Qiang & Zhang, Xiaoning, 2014. "Game-theoretical models for competition analysis in a new emerging liner container shipping market," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 201-227.
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    15. Lijuan Yang & Eldon Y. Li & Yu Zhang, 2020. "Pricing and Subsidy Models for Transshipment Sustainability in the Three Gorges Dam Region of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-20, August.
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    17. Llano, C. & De la Mata, T. & Díaz-Lanchas, J. & Gallego, N., 2017. "Transport-mode competition in intra-national trade: An empirical investigation for the Spanish case," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 334-355.
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