Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of South Korea’s Emission Control Area (ECA) policy in reducing fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) emissions at Incheon Port, focusing on emissions from maritime activities and their spatial diffusion in a densely populated metropolitan area. Design/methodology/approach A comparative analysis was conducted using two scenarios: one without ECA policy enforcement and one with phased ECA implementation from 2020 to 2022. Emissions were calculated using the Tier 3 methodology of the European Environment Agency (EEA) emission inventory guidebook and pollutant dispersion was modeled using the CALPUFF atmospheric dispersion system. Findings The ECA policy significantly reduced PM emissions over a three-year period. Total emissions under the ECA scenario declined from 96 tons in 2020 to 59 tons in 2022, compared to 144–156 tons under the no-policy scenario. CALPUFF simulations also showed marked reductions in both the concentration and diffusion range of PM10 and PM2.5, indicating improved air quality in the Incheon Port area. Originality/value This study is among the first to provide a multi-year empirical assessment of ECA policy impacts in a Korean port using both emission inventory and dispersion modeling. It offers critical insights for policymakers and port authorities aiming to design evidence-based environmental strategies in urban port settings.

Purpose In a market of great uncertainty and volatility, shipowners are confronted with critical decisions that largely determine the profitability and viability of their businesses. This article aims to explore whether the decision to purchase a secondhand bulk carrier is rational, using a dataset of both conventional and eco Capesize secondhand prices, along with one-year time charter rates from January 1995 to October 2024. Design/methodology/approach The methodology is based on fundamental and technical analysis approaches, such as Net Present Value and Moving Average, to determine the optimal timing for making a purchase decision. Findings The results reveal a significant discrepancy between expected (rational) and actual decisions for both conventional and eco ships, offering evidence for the rejection of the semi-strong form of the Efficient Market Hypothesis in the dry bulk market. Interestingly, the financial benefits traditionally attributed to eco vessels were not found to affect investment decisions. Originality/value The findings provide empirical support for the assumption, held in behavioral economics, that ship investment decisions may deviate from rational patterns. In light of these findings, the study suggests that a realistic understanding of ship investments should extend beyond the rational explanation of market agents’ economic behavior and investigate the role of cognitive biases in shaping such decisions.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the evolution of the concentration ratios in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipping sector from 2010 until nowadays. This analysis aims to reveal if the structural changes in the LNG sector attracted more market players as well as if the dominating firms increased their market power. Moreover, we examine the concentration indices across different exporting areas and trading routes. Our purpose is to denote if there are either regions or trading routes with monopolistic features, with respect to the ownership status of the market players. Design/methodology/approach For our analysis, we employ several concentration indices and examine them historically. Namely, we employ the N-Concentration Rate, the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index, the Gini coefficient, the Linda index and the Market rotation rate. For the robustness of our findings, we utilize the Shannon Entropy index, the Rosenbluth, Hall and Tideman Index and the dominance ratio. We use the same metrics across regions and trading routes. Furthermore, we compute the proportion of the state-owned firms. Lastly, we display the Lorenz curve for indicative cases. Findings The results of historical data indicate that shares of the dominant players have been reduced but remain high. The concentration rates denote that the market is being unconcentrated but not highly competitive. The exporting regions show that in the areas where national fleets and state-owned operators dominate the trade, the concentration rates are higher and the fleet capacity is unequally distributed. Lastly, the exporting region determines the concentration in the route. Research limitations/implications We avoid employing historical data regarding the operators, due to missing information as for many vessels the operator is specified as “Unknown.” This is attributed to the fact that the data are on an annual basis and these vessels operate in the spot market, changing operators. These vessels account for more than 5% of the annual base. Hence, we provide information regarding the operators only for 2024, utilizing AIS data. Practical implications Understanding the market structure is useful for stakeholders in the LNG market. Shipowners can utilize our study in their decision-making process regarding entering the LNG market and choosing the route and the number of their vessels. They can define their share in each route and act as freight rate makers or takers. Moreover, our study is useful in deciding whether to act as an operator and choose the best chartering policy. Furthermore, regulators and policymakers in importing regions can evaluate the degree of their dependence and execute energy supply policies with respect to LNG. Social implications Regulators and policymakers can address antitrust concerns while legal and consulting firms could advise their clients on mergers and acquisitions and compliance with competition laws. Originality/value Contrary to previous studies, we examine the evolution of concentration indices historically. On the other hand, the previous studies measured the concentration in specific years. Furthermore, we study the concentration patterns within the industry, considering the regional characteristics of the industry, while the previous studies compared the LNG shipping sector, with other sectors like the container. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, our paper is the first one which compares the market structure across the trading routes and also denotes the role of the market players’ ownership structure.

PurposeThis paper investigates the mediated-moderation roles of adhocracy culture (ADC) and business ecosystem learning between user experience (UX) and continuous use of block-chain technologies (CUBT) among freight firms in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA stratified sampling technique was used in the selection of 327 employees of freight firms. This paper employs regression analysis to examine the hypothesized paths.FindingsThe findings show that ADC moderates the partially mediated role of the business ecosystem between technology UX and CUBT.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the cross-sectional design adopted, the study findings do not reflect the changing dynamics of employees of freight firms over a long period of time in Ghana.Originality/valueThis research is one of the first in maritime transport literature to explore the relevance of block-chain technologies among freight firms in an emerging economy.

PurposeAdvancements in enhancing regional port connectivity are crucial to fostering global maritime transport. The objective of this paper is to explore the complex relationship between infrastructure connectivity and the regional port of Thailand, specifically within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilised fuzzy logic in exploratory factor analysis and introduced a new factor based on shipping networks, port operations, trade and emerging innovations. This can enhance the regional port and facilitate infrastructure connectivity in the RCEP. The results of this study have been successfully applied in specific contexts involving port authorities and private shipping companies.FindingsThe study’s findings indicate key factors for enhancing regional ports in Thailand. These factors include integrating connectivity, creating spare hubs, addressing service issues, optimising logistics and supply chains, considering market components and leveraging the digital market. These factors are also crucial for promoting infrastructure connectivity within the RCEP framework.Originality/valueThis research presents a strategic framework for enhancing regional ports in Thailand and improving international infrastructure. This is the first attempt to examine the influence of infrastructure connectivity on regional ports by applying fuzzy exploratory factor analysis to modernise infrastructure, which is key to unlocking the region’s maritime potential.

PurposeThis paper aimed to assess the service quality of the main seaports in Oman, which were Sohar, Ad Duqm and Salalah. The aim was to come up with ways to enhance the port service quality (PSQ) in Oman so that it could align with the Sultanate of Oman Logistics Strategy (SOLS) 2040 goals and achieve excellent and efficient operations.Design/methodology/approachTo evaluate the service quality level of the port operators, this paper used a descriptive research design with Resources, Outcome, Process, Management, Image/reputation and Social (ROPMIS) modelling.FindingsThe findings indicated that the overall PSQ rating was currently between “satisfactory” and “very satisfactory” levels. However, the study also found that by empowering resources, outcomes, processes, management, image and social responsibility aspects, the port operators could provide a “high” quality of service, making their seaport operations more effective and efficient.Practical implicationsThe study offers recommendations for improving port services in Oman, including investment in modern seaports, upgrading infrastructure and facilities, ensuring safety and efficiency of cargo operations, meeting and exceeding customer expectations, adopting new technology and automation, hiring policies that attract diverse talents, implementing environmentally friendly practices and improving governance. Overall, this study contributes to the literature and managerial practices in PSQ aspects and its contribution to the SOLS 2040 in Oman.Originality/valueThe originality and novelty of this study lie in its comprehensive assessment of the service quality of Oman's ports and the identification of areas for improvement to achieve outstanding service levels.

Logistics connectivity in East Asia: practices and challengesThis special issue is mainly gathered from selected papers of the 8th International Conference on Transportation and Logistics 2020 (T-LOG, 2020), Surabaya, Indonesia, and independent papers submitted to the special issue.The theme of this special issue is Logistics Connectivity in East Asia: Practices and Challenges.Under this theme, we will explore various theories and methods related to creation and innovation in infrastructure design, multi-modal transportation synchronization, transportation technology, information technology and management concerning logistics connectivity in East Asia and the other regions.We also discuss approach to collect, process, manage and use any information efficiently and effectively, thus the research papers published in this special issue will be able to contribute to improve East Asia logistics and transportation competitiveness and value facing the global challenges in transportation and logistics issues.We would like to thank all authors for contributing to this special issue.The reliable forecast of future container shipping demand is one of existing gaps in the maritime container shipping literature.A number of papers investigated on the forecasting container shipping demand but only a few studies investigated the durability of economic indicators on container shipping demand.In Tomoya Kawasaki, Takuma Matsuda, Yui-yip Lau and Xiaowen Fu (The durability of economic indicators in container shipping demand: a case study of East Asia-US container transport), the durability of economic indicators on container movements from East Asia to the USA are identified by a vector autoregression model using monthly-based time-series data.This study will be useful for shipping lines and shippers to make decisions on future business activities.Another important research question in this special issue is the effect of COVID-19 on maritime shipping market.Enna Hirata and Takuma Matsuda uncovered COVID-19's impact on shipping and logistics using Internet articles as the source (Uncovering the impact of COVID-19 on shipping and logistics).They applied web mining to collect information on COVID-19's impact on shipping and logistics from Internet articles.The information extracted is then analyzed through machine learning algorithms for useful insights on shipping and logistics, highlighting crucial agendas for scholars to research.Analysis on shipping market is definitely an established and distinct research field in maritime economics and finance.In last two decades, market conditions for container shipping companies have been deteriorating owing to decreasing container cargo trade and increasing supply capacity.Takuma Matsuda, Enna Hirata and Tomoya Kawasaki aim to contribute to the empirical literature on the container shipping industry market structure (Monopoly in the container shipping market: an econometric approach).As the Far East Freight Conference had released tariffs and charge rates by item for container shipping routes, monopolistic pricing is appeared until the European Union abolished the European Economic Community (No. 4056/86) in 2008, before the economic crisis.However, they indicated pricing in the container shipping industry has been distinctly non-monopolistic; furthermore, competition seems to have intensified since 2008.

PurposeThis study explores the levels of Facebook engagement of the two largest Europe-based shipping lines, Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), to discover the marketing orientation of the topics advertised and to ascertain whether they tend to be about brand recognition, new transport services, or value propositions for stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThe Facebook posts of Maersk and MSC were analysed using social media text mining and social network analysis (SNA); in- and out-degree centrality analysis was performed to determine the key terms in their posts. NetMiner software was used to collect the respective data on Maersk and MSC. The inquiry period was set between May 2020 and February 2021.FindingsThe results indicated a divergence in their post contents, with higher engagement and a wider, more active follower base for MSC than for Maersk. Maersk primarily posts about logistics services and supply chain solutions. MSC communicates about new and large container vessels. Both companies seek greater brand recognition and information sharing through social media.Originality/valueThese results can be used by the stakeholders to evaluate whether Maersk and MSC truly deliver on their respective value propositions communicated online through their social media engagement. It can also help Maersk and MSC gauge the level of effectiveness of their communication with stakeholders and modify their digital engagement strategy accordingly.

PurposeThis work analyses autonomous ships' specific needs of external and environmental information in restricted pilotage waters. Harbour pilots use conventional well-tested techniques when piloting the manned vessel. In this work, the authors propose technological solutions to be installed or adapted in ports to feed the autonomous ships' systems with the information considered relevant by pilots.Design/methodology/approachTo investigate what pilots consider relevant, the authors submitted a questionnaire to the pilotage of Paranaguá Port. Then the authors presented a case study including the critical areas for the navigation of ships.FindingsThese technological solutions aim to allow vessels reaching critical areas in a position, a time, a speed and a course that compensates the external forces and/or avoid high-risk situations. The authors have proposed technological solutions considering those already available in the ports, particularly in Paranaguá and Antonina in Brazil.Originality/valueThere is little published data on navigation of ships in pilotage waters. So far, there has been little discussion on autonomous ships in restricted waters.