This paper examines how spatial distance affects network topology on empirical data concerning the Global Container Shipping Network (GCSN). The GCSN decomposes into 32 multiplex layers, defined at several spatial levels, by successively removing connections of smaller distances. This multilayer decomposition approach allows studying the topological properties of each layer as a function of distance. The analysis provides insights into the hierarchical structure and (importing and exporting) trade functionality of the GCSN, hub connectivity, several topological aspects, and the distinct role of China in the network's structure. It also shows that bidirectional links decrease with distance, highlighting the importance of asymmetric functionality in carriers' operations. It further configures six novel clusters of ports concerning their spatial coverage. Finally, it reveals three levels of geographical scale in the structure of GCSN (where the network topology significantly changes): the neighborhood (local connectivity); the scale of international connectivity (mesoscale or middle connectivity); and the intercontinental market (large scale connectivity). The overall approach provides a methodological framework for analyzing network topology as a function of distance, highlights the spatial dimension in complex and multilayer networks, and provides insights into the spatial structure of the GCSN, which is the most important market of the global maritime economy.
机构:
Fujian Jiangxia Univ, Coll Business Adm, Fuzhou, Peoples R China
Fuzhou Univ, Sch Econ & Management, Fuzhou, Peoples R China
Fujian Commun Planning & Design Inst, Fuzhou, Peoples R ChinaFujian Jiangxia Univ, Coll Business Adm, Fuzhou, Peoples R China
Pan, Jing-Jing
Zhang, Yong-Feng
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机构:
Shanghai Int Shipping Inst, Shanghai, Peoples R China
Shanghai Maritime Univ, Shanghai, Peoples R ChinaFujian Jiangxia Univ, Coll Business Adm, Fuzhou, Peoples R China
Zhang, Yong-Feng
Fan, Bi
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机构:
Shenzhen Univ, Coll Management, Shenzhen, Peoples R ChinaFujian Jiangxia Univ, Coll Business Adm, Fuzhou, Peoples R China
机构:
Hong Kong Polytech Univ, Dept Logist & Maritime Studies, Hong Kong, Peoples R ChinaHong Kong Polytech Univ, Dept Logist & Maritime Studies, Hong Kong, Peoples R China
Qi, Jingwen
Wang, Shuaian
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机构:
Hong Kong Polytech Univ, Dept Logist & Maritime Studies, Hong Kong, Peoples R ChinaHong Kong Polytech Univ, Dept Logist & Maritime Studies, Hong Kong, Peoples R China
机构:
Shanghai Customs Coll, Sch Business Adm & Customs, Shanghai 201204, Peoples R ChinaShanghai Customs Coll, Sch Business Adm & Customs, Shanghai 201204, Peoples R China
Kuang, Zengjie
Liu, Chanjuan
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机构:
Shanghai Customs Coll, Sch Business Adm & Customs, Shanghai 201204, Peoples R ChinaShanghai Customs Coll, Sch Business Adm & Customs, Shanghai 201204, Peoples R China
Liu, Chanjuan
Wu, Jinran
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机构:
Queensland Univ Technol, Fac Sci, Sch Math Sci, Brisbane, Qld 4001, AustraliaShanghai Customs Coll, Sch Business Adm & Customs, Shanghai 201204, Peoples R China
Wu, Jinran
Wang, You-Gan
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机构:
Australian Catholic Univ, Inst Learning Sci & Teacher Educ, Brisbane, Qld 4000, AustraliaShanghai Customs Coll, Sch Business Adm & Customs, Shanghai 201204, Peoples R China
机构:
Fujian Jiangxia Univ, Coll Business Adm, Fuzhou, Peoples R China
Fuzhou Univ, Sch Econ & Management, Fuzhou, Peoples R China
Fujian Commun Planning & Design Inst, Fuzhou, Peoples R ChinaFujian Jiangxia Univ, Coll Business Adm, Fuzhou, Peoples R China
Pan, Jing-Jing
Zhang, Yong-Feng
论文数: 0引用数: 0
h-index: 0
机构:
Shanghai Int Shipping Inst, Shanghai, Peoples R China
Shanghai Maritime Univ, Shanghai, Peoples R ChinaFujian Jiangxia Univ, Coll Business Adm, Fuzhou, Peoples R China
Zhang, Yong-Feng
Fan, Bi
论文数: 0引用数: 0
h-index: 0
机构:
Shenzhen Univ, Coll Management, Shenzhen, Peoples R ChinaFujian Jiangxia Univ, Coll Business Adm, Fuzhou, Peoples R China
机构:
Hong Kong Polytech Univ, Dept Logist & Maritime Studies, Hong Kong, Peoples R ChinaHong Kong Polytech Univ, Dept Logist & Maritime Studies, Hong Kong, Peoples R China
Qi, Jingwen
Wang, Shuaian
论文数: 0引用数: 0
h-index: 0
机构:
Hong Kong Polytech Univ, Dept Logist & Maritime Studies, Hong Kong, Peoples R ChinaHong Kong Polytech Univ, Dept Logist & Maritime Studies, Hong Kong, Peoples R China
机构:
Shanghai Customs Coll, Sch Business Adm & Customs, Shanghai 201204, Peoples R ChinaShanghai Customs Coll, Sch Business Adm & Customs, Shanghai 201204, Peoples R China
Kuang, Zengjie
Liu, Chanjuan
论文数: 0引用数: 0
h-index: 0
机构:
Shanghai Customs Coll, Sch Business Adm & Customs, Shanghai 201204, Peoples R ChinaShanghai Customs Coll, Sch Business Adm & Customs, Shanghai 201204, Peoples R China
Liu, Chanjuan
Wu, Jinran
论文数: 0引用数: 0
h-index: 0
机构:
Queensland Univ Technol, Fac Sci, Sch Math Sci, Brisbane, Qld 4001, AustraliaShanghai Customs Coll, Sch Business Adm & Customs, Shanghai 201204, Peoples R China
Wu, Jinran
Wang, You-Gan
论文数: 0引用数: 0
h-index: 0
机构:
Australian Catholic Univ, Inst Learning Sci & Teacher Educ, Brisbane, Qld 4000, AustraliaShanghai Customs Coll, Sch Business Adm & Customs, Shanghai 201204, Peoples R China