Global Vehicle Carrier Network and Trade Analysis Using AIS Data

This study aims to analyze the global shipping patterns of vehicle carriers on a port-specific basis using the Automatic Identification System (AIS) vessel movement database. Unlike flexible routes for container ships or fixed tanker patterns, vehicle carriers concentrated production and widespread distribution create unique operational and strategic dynamics that reflect the centralized manufacturing and global market structure of the automotive industry. Two analytical perspectives are employed: time-period models to examine the evolution of the network, and company-specific models to capture distinct patterns among major shipping operators. The significance and connectivity of ports in maritime transport networks are evaluated using network theory metrics, including closeness centrality, betweenness centrality, degree, and authority. Port efficiency is evaluated to assess how shipping companies utilize ports and to identify those handling vessel calls most efficiently. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the global vehicle carrier shipping network and highlights the critical hubs driving its efficiency and connectivity. The findings clarify how the network evolves over time and reveal how different shipping companies shape network structures and utilize ports.