Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics | 2026
Authors: Kwon O.-I.; Jeon J.-W.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajsl.2026.04.001
Journal: Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics
Year: 2026
Publisher: Korean Association of Shipping and Logistics, Inc.
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
This study examines the structural transformation of intra-Asia container shipping networks along the Asia–Middle East and Asia–South Asia corridors between 2021Q4 and 2025Q4. Using Drewry alliance service data, we construct directed and weighted graphs and analyze them through Louvain community detection, centrality measures, structural-hole analysis, and targeted robustness simulations. Although the network expanded in scale—from 124 to 160 ports and from 425 to 499 directional links—density declined and the number of communities rose from eight to ten, indicating greater segmentation rather than deeper integration. A Jaccard similarity coefficient of 0.276 confirms extensive route rewiring. Betweenness centrality became more concentrated, with Singapore’s score increasing from 0.303 to 0.402, while robustness deteriorated (AUC falling from 0.170 to 0.130). These changes reveal a larger yet more vulnerable network that is increasingly dependent on key intermediary hubs. The findings align with the effects of alliance reconfiguration (notably the termination of the 2 M alliance and formation of the Gemini Cooperation), regional trade reorientation toward South and Southeast Asia, and persistent supply-chain disruptions such as the Red Sea crisis. The study offers implications for port governance, alliance strategy, and supply-chain risk management. © 2026 The Authors.
Betweenness centrality; Community detection; Container shipping network; Intra-Asia routes; Network analysis; Network resilience; PageRank; Structural holes