International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Open Access

  Legal challenges and regulatory improvements regarding ammonia as an alternative marine fuel or cargo ( Free Full-text Access )

  by Junghwan Choi, Sangseop Lim 
  Abstract: This study examines the regulatory challenges concerning ammonia-fuelled ships and the transportation of ammonia as cargo. It identifies gaps in the international safety standards and civil liability regimes for ammonias dual role as fuel and cargo. The research highlights the need for revisions to the IGF and IGC codes to establish clear regulatory standards for ammonia-fuelled ships. It also proposes amendments to the HNS Convention to include ammonia-fuelled ships within its scope, to address the current lack of a comprehensive civil liability framework. The study emphasises the need to enhance compliance measures, train crew, and establish port safety procedures. In proposing these improvements, the study aims to provide a foundation for future discussions on revising international regulations related to alternative marine fuels, particularly ammonia. Such revisions would support the shipping industrys transition towards decarbonisation, while ensuring safety and legal predictability.
  Keywords: decarbonisation; ammonia-fuelled ships; IGF Code; ICG Code; HNS Convention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10075623
   
  
• 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