Title: International intermodal container shipping network in South Asia: modelling and policy simulations

Authors: Ryuichi Shibasaki; Tomoya Kawasaki

Addresses: Department of Systems Innovation, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan ' Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1, O-okayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550, Japan

Abstract: This paper focuses on the international intermodal container cargo shipping network in South Asia. A two-layered network assignment model of international container cargo is applied to this region for simulating the impact of policies designed to increase the level of international logistics infrastructure. The first simulation, which focuses on the improvements of the road and rail networks around the largest port in this region (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, or JNPT), reveals that Indian west coast ports are very competitive in acquiring cargo both originating from and destined to Delhi. More importantly, these west coast ports face critical capacity constraints for hinterland shipping around JNPT. The second simulation estimates the effect of the recommencement of the international ferry connecting South India and Sri Lanka and suggests that the reduction of cross-border barriers and improving connected rail services are essential for promoting the international ferry service.

Keywords: intermodal transport; global maritime container shipping; network assignment; South Asia; logistics policy simulation; international container cargo; hinterland transport; dedicated freight corridor; DFC; transhipment; JNPT; Colombo port; international ferry transport; cross-border transport.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2021.112916

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2021 Vol.13 No.1/2, pp.70 - 101

Accepted: 24 Jul 2019
Published online: 09 Feb 2021 *

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