IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/chsofr/v201y2025ip2s0960077925012111.html

Mapping the multiplex structure of global liner shipping: Connectivity profiles and competitive positioning of carriers

Author

Listed:
  • Pan, Qian
  • Liu, Feifan
  • Xia, Haoxiang

Abstract

The global liner shipping system, a critical backbone of international trade, is shaped by decentralized service planning, with each carrier designing its own route network based on strategic and commercial priorities. However, increasing collaboration across routes has intensified competition and reduced service differentiation, highlighting the need to understand how distinct routing strategies influence network structures and emergent system performance. In this study, we examine the Multiplex Global Liner Shipping Network (mGLSN) by integrating detailed service route data from the world's top 20 carriers, modeling each carrier as an independent layer. We introduce a novel role-to-role connectivity profile identification method to uncover the structural patterns of individual Carrier Shipping Networks (CSNs). Our analysis shows that while most carriers adopt hub-and-spoke configurations, their aggregation results in a Global Liner Shipping Network (GLSN) characterized by a mixed “core-of-hubs” and “clustered-periphery” topology. By clustering carriers based on their connectivity profiles, we identify distinct strategic groups that align with market positioning and performance outcomes: first-tier carriers dominate the global backbone, second-tier carriers enhance inter-regional connectivity, and smaller carriers operate as localized feeders. These differentiated network profiles underscore the strategic value of tailored network designs. By leveraging multiplex network modeling and role-based connectivity analysis, we provide new insights into how carrier-level strategies collectively shape the structure of the GLSN. Our findings offer managerial implications for service differentiation and competitive positioning within the global liner shipping industry, and contribute empirical evidence of self-organizing principles in real-world complex systems, illuminating the multifaceted nature of global network formation.

Suggested Citation

  • Pan, Qian & Liu, Feifan & Xia, Haoxiang, 2025. "Mapping the multiplex structure of global liner shipping: Connectivity profiles and competitive positioning of carriers," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 201(P2).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chsofr:v:201:y:2025:i:p2:s0960077925012111
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chaos.2025.117198
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960077925012111
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.chaos.2025.117198?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to

    for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Imai, Akio & Shintani, Koichi & Papadimitriou, Stratos, 2009. "Multi-port vs. Hub-and-Spoke port calls by containerships," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 45(5), pages 740-757, September.
    2. César Ducruet, 2017. "Multilayer dynamics of complex spatial networks : the case of global maritime flows (1977-2008)," Post-Print hal-03246925, HAL.
    3. Pisit Jarumaneeroj & Jorge Barnett Lawton & Morten Svindland, 2024. "An evolution of the Global Container Shipping Network: port connectivity and trading community structure (2011–2017)," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 26(2), pages 283-306, June.
    4. Mengqiao Xu & Qian Pan & Alessandro Muscoloni & Haoxiang Xia & Carlo Vittorio Cannistraci, 2020. "Modular gateway-ness connectivity and structural core organization in maritime network science," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, December.
    5. Liehui Wang & Nanyi Zhang & Fei Ye & Yui‐yip Lau & César Ducruet, 2020. "The complex network analysis of liner shipping networks: Lessons from the merger between COSCO and CSCL," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(4), pages 1877-1893, December.
    6. Hee-Seok Bang & Hyo-Won Kang & Jeffrey Martin & Su-Han Woo, 2012. "The impact of operational and strategic management on liner shipping efficiency: a two-stage DEA approach," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(7), pages 653-672, December.
    7. Gadhia, Hitesh K. & Kotzab, Herbert & Prockl, Günter, 2011. "Levels of internationalization in the container shipping industry: an assessment of the port networks of the large container shipping companies," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 19(6), pages 1431-1442.
    8. Bai, Xiwen & Cheng, Liangqi & Yang, Dong & Cai, Ouchen, 2022. "Does the traffic volume of a port determine connectivity? Revisiting port connectivity measures with high-frequency satellite data," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    9. Li, Weijun & Bai, Xiwen & Yang, Dong & Hou, Yao, 2023. "Maritime connectivity, transport infrastructure expansion and economic growth: A global perspective," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    10. Li, Jiaqi & Li, Zhenfu & Qi, Xinli, 2025. "A review of multilayer networks-based interregional transportation networks analysis," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    11. Zheng, Jianfeng & Meng, Qiang & Sun, Zhuo, 2015. "Liner hub-and-spoke shipping network design," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 32-48.
    12. Li, Zhitao & Tang, Jinjun & Zhao, Chuyun & Gao, Fan, 2023. "Improved centrality measure based on the adapted PageRank algorithm for urban transportation multiplex networks," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    13. Hu, Yihong & Zhu, Daoli, 2009. "Empirical analysis of the worldwide maritime transportation network," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 388(10), pages 2061-2071.
    14. Ducruet, César, 2020. "The geography of maritime networks: A critical review," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    15. Guo, Shu & Lyu, Jing & Zhu, Xuebin & Fan, Hanwen, 2025. "Multi-feature fusion for the evaluation of strategic nodes and regional importance in maritime networks," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    16. Meng, Qiang & Wang, Shuaian, 2011. "Liner shipping service network design with empty container repositioning," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 47(5), pages 695-708, September.
    17. Yang, Ying & Liu, Yang & Li, Guorong & Zhang, Zekun & Liu, Yanbin, 2024. "Harnessing the power of Machine learning for AIS Data-Driven maritime Research: A comprehensive review," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    18. Xu, Yang & Peng, Peng & Lu, Feng & Claramunt, Christophe, 2024. "Uncovering the multiplex network of global container shipping: Insights from shipping companies," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    19. Calatayud, Agustina & Mangan, John & Palacin, Roberto, 2017. "Connectivity to international markets: A multi-layered network approach," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 61-71.
    20. César Ducruet & Faraz Zaidi, 2012. "Maritime constellations : A complex network approach to shipping and ports," Post-Print hal-03246963, HAL.
    21. Gelareh, Shahin & Nickel, Stefan & Pisinger, David, 2010. "Liner shipping hub network design in a competitive environment," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 46(6), pages 991-1004, November.
    22. Dimitrios Tsiotas & César Ducruet, 2021. "Measuring the effect of distance on the network topology of the Global Container Shipping Network," Post-Print halshs-03408185, HAL.
    23. César Ducruet, 2013. "Network diversity and maritime flows," Post-Print halshs-00815731, HAL.
    24. Ducruet, César, 2017. "Multilayer dynamics of complex spatial networks: The case of global maritime flows (1977–2008)," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 47-58.
    25. César Ducruet, 2020. "The geography of maritime networks : a critical review," Post-Print hal-03246890, HAL.
    26. César Ducruet, 2013. "Network diversity and maritime flows," Post-Print hal-03246957, HAL.
    27. Bai, Xiwen & Ma, Zhongjun & Zhou, Yaoming, 2023. "Data-driven static and dynamic resilience assessment of the global liner shipping network," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    28. Jing-Jing Pan & Michael G. H. Bell & Kam-Fung Cheung & Supun Perera & Hang Yu, 2019. "Connectivity analysis of the global shipping network by eigenvalue decomposition," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(8), pages 957-966, November.
    29. Agustina Calatayud & Roberto Palacin & John Mangan & Elizabeth Jackson & Aurora Ruiz-Rua, 2016. "Understanding connectivity to international markets: a systematic review," Transport Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(6), pages 713-736, November.
    30. Zhalechian, M. & Torabi, S. Ali & Mohammadi, M., 2018. "Hub-and-spoke network design under operational and disruption risks," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 20-43.
    31. César Ducruet & Faraz Zaidi, 2012. "Maritime constellations: a complex network approach to shipping and ports," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(2), pages 151-168, March.
    32. César Ducruet & Faraz Zaidi, 2012. "Maritime constellations: A complex network approach to shipping and ports," Post-Print halshs-00551207, HAL.
    33. César Ducruet & Dimitris Tsiotas, 2021. "Measuring the effect of distance on the network topology of the Global Container Shipping Network," Post-Print hal-03374898, HAL.
    34. Dong-Joon Kang & Su-Han Woo, 2017. "Liner shipping networks, port characteristics and the impact on port performance," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 19(2), pages 274-295, June.
    35. Jiang, Jianlin & Lee, Loo Hay & Chew, Ek Peng & Gan, Chee Chun, 2015. "Port connectivity study: An analysis framework from a global container liner shipping network perspective," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 47-64.
    36. repec:hal:journl:hal-04292866 is not listed on IDEAS
    37. David L. Alderson & Daniel Funk & Ralucca Gera, 2020. "Analysis of the global maritime transportation system as a layered network," Journal of Transportation Security, Springer, vol. 13(3), pages 291-325, December.
    38. Peng, Wenhao & Bai, Xiwen, 2022. "Prospects for improving shipping companies’ profit margins by quantifying operational strategies and market focus approach through AIS data," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 138-152.
    39. Bart W. Wiegmans & Anthony Van Der Hoest & Theo E. Notteboom, 2008. "Port and terminal selection by deep-sea container operators," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(6), pages 517-534, December.
    40. Nasiri, Elahe & Berahmand, Kamal & Li, Yuefeng, 2021. "A new link prediction in multiplex networks using topologically biased random walks," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    41. Duan, Wei & Li, Zhenfu & Deng, Zhao & Zhou, Yutao & Li, Shiyue, 2025. "Detection and analysis of overlapping communities in the global shipping network," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 199(P3).
    42. César Ducruet, 2020. "The geography of maritime networks: A critical review," Post-Print halshs-02922543, HAL.
    43. Ducruet, César, 2013. "Network diversity and maritime flows," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 77-88.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. César Ducruet, 2023. "Shipping network analysis: state-of-the-art and application to the global financial crisis," Post-Print halshs-04588340, HAL.
    2. Nicanor García Álvarez & Belarmino Adenso-Díaz & Laura Calzada-Infante, 2021. "Maritime Traffic as a Complex Network: a Systematic Review," Networks and Spatial Economics, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 387-417, June.
    3. César Ducruet, 2020. "The geography of maritime networks: A critical review," Post-Print halshs-02922543, HAL.
    4. Tocchi, Daniela & Sys, Christa & Papola, Andrea & Tinessa, Fiore & Simonelli, Fulvio & Marzano, Vittorio, 2022. "Hypergraph-based centrality metrics for maritime container service networks: A worldwide application," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    5. Su, Han & Wang, Liehui & Zhang, Sheng & Du, Debin & Ducruet, Cesar, 2025. "From fragmentation to integration: Evolving community structure of the Asia-Pacific shipping network since 1890," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    6. Achilleas Tsantis & John Mangan & Agustina Calatayud & Roberto Palacin, 2023. "Container shipping: a systematic literature review of themes and factors that influence the establishment of direct connections between countries," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 25(4), pages 667-697, December.
    7. Sugimura, Yoshihisa & Akakura, Yasuhiro & Yotsushima, Tatsuki & Kawasaki, Tomoya, 2023. "Evaluation of Japanese port policies through network analysis," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C), pages 59-70.
    8. Li, Yan & Alexander, Carol & Coulon, Michael & Zoltán Kiss, István, 2026. "Trade dynamics of the global dry bulk shipping network," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).
    9. Martin, Bárbara Polo & Faure, Marc-Antoine & Cremaschini, Fabio & Ducruet, César, 2025. "Shipping trade and geopolitical turmoil," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    10. Wu, Jiaxin & Lu, Jing & Zhang, Lingye & Fan, Hanwen, 2024. "Spatial heterogeneity among different-sized port communities in directed-weighted global liner shipping network," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).
    11. Ge, Jiawei & fu, Qiang & Zhang, Qiang & Wan, Zheng, 2022. "Regional operating patterns of world container shipping network: A perspective from motif identification," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 607(C).
    12. Hongchu Yu & Zhixiang Fang & Guojun Peng & Mingxiang Feng, 2017. "Revealing the Linkage Network Dynamic Structures of Chinese Maritime Ports through Automatic Information System Data," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-17, October.
    13. Xu, Yang & Peng, Peng & Lu, Feng & Claramunt, Christophe, 2024. "Uncovering the multiplex network of global container shipping: Insights from shipping companies," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    14. Ducruet, César, 2020. "The geography of maritime networks: A critical review," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    15. Liang, Maohan & Cai, Yutong & Chen, Tianyi & Wang, Hua & Meng, Qiang, 2025. "Data-driven impact analysis of chokepoint on multi-scale maritime networks: A case study of the Taiwan Strait," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    16. Nguyen Tran & Hans-Dietrich Haasis, 2014. "Empirical analysis of the container liner shipping network on the East-West corridor (1995–2011)," Netnomics, Springer, vol. 15(3), pages 121-153, November.
    17. Tagawa, Hoshi & Meng, Qiang, 2025. "Network evolution of major shipping routes: Perspectives from dominant ports and shipping lines," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    18. Marc-Antoine Faure & Bárbara Polo Martin & Fabio Cremaschini & César Ducruet, 2024. "Shipping Trade and Geopolitical Turmoils: The Case of the Ukrainian Maritime Network," EconomiX Working Papers 2024-24, University of Paris Nanterre, EconomiX.
    19. Ducruet, César, 2017. "Multilayer dynamics of complex spatial networks: The case of global maritime flows (1977–2008)," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 47-58.
    20. Ducruet, César & Itoh, Hidekazu, 2022. "The spatial determinants of innovation diffusion: Evidence from global shipping networks," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:chsofr:v:201:y:2025:i:p2:s0960077925012111. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Thayer, Thomas R. (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/chaos-solitons-and-fractals .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.