Shipowners’ choice of port – A mix logit model of Swedish container traffic

This study investigates the determinants influencing the choice of ports by shipowners routing container vessels to Swedish ports. Given Sweden's reliance on maritime transport for trade, understanding these factors is important for port authorities and policymakers to enhance port attractiveness and strengthen the national port network. The research focuses on the container market, ensuring a homogeneous product for analysis. The study employs a mixed logit model to analyze data from 2017 to 2019, including official statistics on vessel calls and AIS (automatic identification system for tracking vessel movements) data for turnaround times. Key variables considered include distance between ports, port size, port reliability, port load (the number of vessels being handled at the same time), vessel size, number of containers and if the upcoming call also is domestic. Results indicate that distance (distance cost), pilot fees, port size, and port load affect port choice, with the choice of port for smaller vessels being more sensitive to transport costs. The study also highlights the impact of repeated domestic calls on port attractiveness. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing port operations and developing strategic policies to enhance Sweden's maritime trade infrastructure.