International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics (6 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Volatility spillover effects of crude oil futures on tanker freight rates: new evidence from a time-frequency perspective  
  by Hongyue Guo, Xinru Li, Wenjuan Jia, Bin Meng, Cong Sui 
  Abstract: In this study, we investigate the volatility spillover impact of oil prices on tanker freight rates, by calculating the monthly volatilities of eleven representative tanker freight indices, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), and Brent futures price indices to measure the oil and tanker shipping markets risk, respectively. In particular, the high-frequency component of the tanker freight rate volatility is disentangled by adopting the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method and Fine-to-coarse algorithm. Besides, the time-varying parameter vector autoregressive (TVP-VAR) model is employed to analyse the impact of crude oil futures prices on the high-frequency component of tanker freight rates at the volatility level. Our results reveal that crude oil price volatility affects tanker freight rate volatility on different routes to varying degrees, and crude oil price volatility has a positive spillover effect on tanker freight rate volatility on short-haul routes and small-sized ships located on routes.
  Keywords: crude oil future; tanker freight rates; high-frequency component; volatility; EEMD model.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10074001
   
  
• Strategic development of regional transshipment hubs: leveraging econometric modelling and trade integration between foreland nations and production centres  
  by Rashika Mudunkotuwa, Mingjun Ji, Yapa Mahinda Bandara, T.S.G. Peiris 
  Abstract: This paper shows that transshipment ports can be key contributors to enhancing trade relations and strategic port partnerships between the host country and the connected markets. The paper develops a forecasting model based on international trade dynamics between foreland markets and the worlds major production centre, China, and validates with data sourced from the World Integrated Trade Solution and Chinas Trade Yearbook to determine the port throughput of a regional hub port (the Port of Colombo). The models validity is confirmed through rigorous statistical tests and the findings revealed the Port of Colombos long-term dependence on trade with foreland nations trading with China. The results support the need for the ports host country to adopt trade integration strategies for its sustained growth. The model significantly enhances the forecasting accuracy for transshipment hubs, offering valuable insights for policymakers and port authorities to promote sustainable growth through improved trade integration strategies.
  Keywords: transshipment hub; trade integration; foreland nations; production centre; granger causality; VECM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10075487
   
  
• Global trade dynamics of the shipbreaking industry: a complex network analysis approach  
  by Taner Filiz, Behiç Çetin 
  Abstract: This study investigates the structural characteristics of the global shipbreaking trade network using complex network analysis and bilateral trade data for 2014, 2017, 2020, and 2023. The analysis identifies Bangladesh, India, Turkey, and Pakistan as central nodes in the network, reflecting their role as major destinations for end-of-life vessels. Indicators such as indegree, outdegree, PageRank, authority, and modularity were employed to examine connectivity patterns, community structures, and network vulnerability. The results reveal a declining number of nodes and edges, indicating growing concentration of shipbreaking activities in a limited set of countries. Modularity analysis shows the emergence of regional clusters, particularly linking South Asian and Mediterranean hubs, while vulnerability tests confirm that the removal of highly central countries significantly weakens the network. These findings suggest that although shipbreaking supports resource recovery and cost efficiency, its concentration heightens risks related to sustainability, safety, and resilience. Overall, the study adds to the limited literature on shipbreaking and suggests that geographically diversifying ship recycling under harmonised environmental and labour standards could mitigate risks and support long-term sustainability.
  Keywords: shipbreaking; complex network analysis; transportation; sustainability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10075638
   
  
• Intermodal transport path optimisation for perishable cargos: considering Refrigeration-Failure condition and uncertain railway loading demand  
  by Qianli Ma, Lin Zhu, Linlin Xu, Peng Jia 
  Abstract: The transportation of perishable cargo through existing intermodal freight networks has significantly increased. The focus on efficient transhipment of refrigerated containers has been driven by the strict quality requirements of perishable goods. An intermodal transportation path optimisation model is proposed, the objective is to minimise average cost and quality degradation. Considering the uncertain railway loading demand, the impact of refrigeration supply and failure on quality degradation is explored. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is adopted. A numerical experiment is conducted for the import of apples from the Port of Antwerp to Lanzhou. Results indicate that, although refrigeration failure time is brief, it can lead to up to 40% quality degradation compared to the supply state. The research provides robust transportation solutions for perishable products, recommending that the duration of single stops at nodes be limited to less than 11% of the total time to preserve freshness. For transfer station operators, shortening the duration of refrigeration failure and enhancing service levels within stations emerge as effective methods to attract shippers.
  Keywords: perishable cargos; refrigerated container; refrigeration-failure; quality degradation; uncertain; carbon emissions; NSGA- II; multi-objective.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10075855
   
  
• Inland electric ship battery swapping station selection and swapped battery quantity optimisation  
  by Siqing Guo, Yubing Wang, Mingyuan Yue, Lei Dai, Hao Hu 
  Abstract: In response to escalating environmental concerns and tightening regulations, battery power has emerged as a promising solution for short- and medium-distance inland waterway freight transportation. Recently, inland electric ships have increasingly adopted the battery swapping mode. This paper develops an optimisation-based approach to identify the most cost-effective battery swapping strategy, taking into account energy management and voyage scheduling. The proposed approach fills a critical gap by providing flexibility in selecting battery swapping stations and determining the quantities of batteries to be swapped. A case study of an inland electric container ship sailing on the Yangtze River is presented, demonstrating that the proposed approach can achieve cost savings of approximately 5%. Furthermore, this paper explores the impact of voyage-related and battery-related factors on battery swapping strategies. The proposed approach also demonstrates adaptability to scenarios involving battery grouping strategies. These findings could offer valuable insights for ship operators, station operators, and policymakers.
  Keywords: inland shipping; electric ship; battery swapping; bunkering strategy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10075976
   
  
• Artificial intelligence in ports: a bibliometric and evolutionary perspective  
  by Gulden Oner, Yelda Inanc, Gultekin Altuntas 
  Abstract: Container terminal operations are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, and automation amid ongoing digital transformation. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 391 publications (1992-2024) from the Web of Science Core Collection using Biblioshiny 4.0. The findings reveal a paradigm shift toward AI-driven optimisation across key areas, including berth allocation, crane scheduling, truck fleet management, and intelligent port automation. Despite this progress, a critical gap remains: the lack of empirical validation using real operational data. This gap highlights the urgent need for cross-industry collaboration to bridge theory and practice. The study urges policymakers and port authorities to implement standardised AI frameworks, invest in workforce upskilling, and enhance digital infrastructure. Future research should focus on scalable, data-validated AI applications and on promoting longitudinal case studies and industry partnerships to ensure the effective, sustainable integration of AI technologies into port logistics.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; container terminals; smart port applications; AI optimisation; digitalisation; maritime logistics.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10076003