Liner shipping markets, networks and strategies

This paper analyses the evolution of liner shipping networks on the West Coast of South America (WCSA) and evaluates their impact on future port system development. The work describes the interrelationship between changes in scale and structure of trade and liner shipping network structures. Particular emphasis is given on ship size development, the emergence of refrigerated container trade and the evolution of market structure in the WCSA. Chile and the WCSA region more generally, face the challenges of market concentration, further evolution of liner shipping networks towards hierarchical networks driven by hub-and-spoke operations and the cascading effects of vessel redeployment. The paper underscores the necessity for institutional and private sector actors to act together and proceed based on integrated visions and strategies in order to achieve successful port development.