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Maritime constellations: A complex network approach to shipping and ports

Author

Listed:
  • César Ducruet

    (GC (UMR_8504) - Géographie-cités - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - UPD7 - Université Paris Diderot - Paris 7 - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, EconomiX - EconomiX - UPN - Université Paris Nanterre - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Faraz Zaidi

    (LaBRI - Laboratoire Bordelais de Recherche en Informatique - UB - Université de Bordeaux - École Nationale Supérieure d'Électronique, Informatique et Radiocommunications de Bordeaux (ENSEIRB) - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, GRAVITE - Graph Visualization and Interactive Exploration - UB - Université Sciences et Technologies - Bordeaux 1 - Inria Bordeaux - Sud-Ouest - Inria - Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique - École Nationale Supérieure d'Électronique, Informatique et Radiocommunications de Bordeaux (ENSEIRB) - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

The analysis of community structures is one major research field in the science of networks. This exercise is often biased by strong hierarchical configurations as it is the case in container shipping. After reviewing the multiple definitions of port systems, this paper applies a topological decomposition method to worldwide inter-port maritime links. Isolating ports of comparable size reveals hidden substructures with the help of graph visualization. While geographic proximity is one main explanatory factor in the emergence of port systems, other logics also appear, such as specialized and long-distance trading links. This research provides interesting evidence about the role of geography, technology, and trade in the architecture of maritime networks.

Suggested Citation

  • César Ducruet & Faraz Zaidi, 2012. "Maritime constellations: A complex network approach to shipping and ports," Post-Print halshs-00551207, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-00551207
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00551207v3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. César Ducruet & Céline Rozenblat & Faraz Zaidi, 2010. "Ports in multi-level maritime networks : Evidence from the Atlantic (1996-2006)," Post-Print hal-03247133, HAL.
    2. Duncan J. Watts & Steven H. Strogatz, 1998. "Collective dynamics of ‘small-world’ networks," Nature, Nature, vol. 393(6684), pages 440-442, June.
    3. César Ducruet & Sung-Woo Lee & Adolf K.Y. Ng, 2010. "Centrality and vulnerability in liner shipping networks: revisiting the Northeast Asian port hierarchy," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(1), pages 17-36, January.
    4. César Ducruet, 2008. "Hub dependence in constrained economies: the case of North Korea," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(4), pages 377-394, August.
    5. César Ducruet & Faraz Zaidi, 2012. "Maritime constellations : A complex network approach to shipping and ports," Post-Print hal-03246963, HAL.
    6. Gouvernal, Elisabeth & Slack, Brian & Franc, Pierre, 2010. "Short sea and deep sea shipping markets in France," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 18(1), pages 97-103.
    7. 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.
    8. James Jixian Wang & Adolf Koi Yu Ng, 2011. "The Geographical Connectedness Of Chinese Seaports With Foreland Markets: A New Trend?," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 102(2), pages 188-204, April.
    9. Peter Hall & Wouter Jacobs, 2010. "Shifting Proximities: The Maritime Ports Sector in an Era of Global Supply Chains," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(9), pages 1103-1115.
    10. César Ducruet & Sung-Woo Lee & Adolf Ng, 2010. "Centrality and vulnerability in liner shipping networks : revisiting the Northeast Asian port hierarchy," Post-Print hal-03246966, HAL.
    11. Rodrigue, Jean-Paul & Notteboom, Theo, 2010. "Foreland-based regionalization: Integrating intermediate hubs with port hinterlands," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 19-29.
    12. César Ducruet, 2008. "Hub dependence in constrained economies : The case of North Korea," Post-Print hal-03247142, HAL.
    13. Ross Robinson, 2002. "Ports as elements in value-driven chain systems: the new paradigm," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(3), pages 241-255.
    14. Ducruet, César & Rozenblat, Céline & Zaidi, Faraz, 2010. "Ports in multi-level maritime networks: evidence from the Atlantic (1996–2006)," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 18(4), pages 508-518.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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