Structures of port connectivity, competition, and shipping networks in Europe

In this study, we use service-based centrality measures to evaluate 29 major European ports' centrality levels and apply them to both the China-connection and intra-Europe networks. The largest European container ports are primarily centrally positioned in the China-connection network, but relatively weak in the intra-network unless capacities are considered. An important insight into the impacts of Chinese influence has been revealed by Piraeus: its strikingly high ranking with closeness centrality in the China-Europe network and in all the three indices in the intra-Europe network suggest the strong influence of Chinese presence. However, its “normal” degree and betweenness measures in the China-Europe network, ranking below the first tier ports, indicates that the impacts are not comprehensive enough to fundamentally shift the established China-Europe shipping system. The major ports along the Hamburg-Le Havre range remain as hubs within the intercontinental shipping networks, with Piraeus rapidly catching up. The influences of relationships with the liners and even countries are not just revealed by Piraeus, but also by Hamburg, which has obtained high ranking in the China-connection network due to its strong bonds with Chinese trade. Finally, we illustrate that port centrality comparisons must be made with a clearly defined network, as their positions within different networks can be very different.