A new connectivity index for container ports

We propose a new index, the Container Port Connectivity Index, to measure the trade connectivity of ports within the network of container shipping. This index is based on both economics and network topology, and a distinctive feature is that the strength of a port is based on its position within the global structure of the shipping network, and not just on local information such as the number of TEUs handled, or direct links to other ports. Furthermore, the index produces separate scores for inbound and outbound container movements and in so doing it supports more detailed analyses. We explore the usefulness of the index by analyzing the global network of scheduled mainline container-shipping services as it existed in September 2011.