Port selection by container ships: A big AIS data analytics approach

• DOI: 10.1016/j.rtbm.2023.101066
• Publication Date: 2023-11-30T13:26:39Z
• Authors: Hongxiang Feng; Qin Lin; Xinyu Zhang; Jasmine Siu Lee Lam; Wei Yim Yap
• Keywords: Port (circuit theory); Automatic Identification System

Port selection is of vital importance for both port operators and shipping lines. In this contribution, an Automatic Identification System (AIS) big data approach developed. This allows identifying container ships using only AIS without the need supplementary information from commercial databases. applied to investigate statistics between Shanghai Ningbo Zhoushan Port, two largest ports in world terms calling frequency, generate practical insights. Results show that: i) ratios among large ships, medium small these are approximately 1: 4: 5; ii) have exclusive (i.e., more feeder covered geographical coverage) intensive deployed service frequency) collection distribution network mainly consisting but that intensive; iii) ultra-large over 380 m, has accommodated extra 18.5% compared Zhoushan, indicates Shanghai's attraction such vessels global fleet deployment; iv) weak, their relationship actually competition; v) could offer choices (over m), which implies its greater potential future vi) when depth channels berths sufficient, distance hinterland convenience a begin get important selection. The empirical findings unveil decision-making lines, competition implications policy.