Title: Disruption risks to global container shipping network in the presence of COVID-19 pandemic: a static structure and dynamic propagation perspective

Authors: Xiongping Yue; Xiaochun Chen; Shuai Liu; Huanyu Ren

Addresses: School of Management, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China ' School of Business, Beijing Wuzi University, Beijing, China ' Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong ' School of Economic and Management, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China

Abstract: This study examines the disruption risks of the global container shipping network from a static structure and dynamic propagation perspective. First, the topological structure of the global container shipping network is investigated by constructing a weighted and directed network. Second, the hidden risks are uncovered by the proposed disruption risk propagation model in the global container shipping network. The results indicate that the global container shipping network is characterised by 'hub and spoke' feature with a 'robust yet fragile' structure. Ports in Asia play an essential role in the global container shipping network. Additionally, risky outbound ports are located in China, and risky inbound ports are located in India and Canada. The hidden shipping route risks are focused on China and Singapore, South Korea. Finally, the propagation speed of port inbound disruption is faster than that of port outbound disruption.

Keywords: shipping network; disruption risk; complex network; COVID-19.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2024.143138

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2024 Vol.19 No.2/3, pp.229 - 252

Received: 16 Aug 2022
Accepted: 08 May 2023
Published online: 04 Dec 2024 *

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