This paper seeks to address the distribution of the largest containerships across the globe and thereby build a picture of the global network. Many issues have been raised since the advent of so called ‘mega-ships’, ranging from port capacity issues, competitiveness, shipping alliances, and technological change, but the precise geography of their circulation had remained somewhat overlooked to date. #
Herein we aim to provide a concrete description and explanation of the observed pattern in the recent period, notwithstanding a brief explanation of the data and methodology used for such a purpose.
DATA AND METHODOLOGY
The most efficient way to map and analyse the global container shipping network is to extract information from the Lloyd’s List Intelligence database , which we have done to create a unique database. Covering the complete months of June to December 2016, our database comprises 121 mega-ships, which are defined by a capacity over 14,000 TEU (meaning megaships…
