The impact of port investment along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road on regional port network connectivity and its imbalance

IF 2.1 4区环境科学与生态学 Q3 ECOLOGY

Regional Studies in Marine Science Pub Date : 2025-05-16 DOI:10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104239

Weishan Lin , Ling Sun , Tianshi Wang , Hui Shang , Wei Xu

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of port investment along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road on regional port network connectivity and its imbalance, using panel data from 21 key port cities over the period 2014–2023. The analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between port investment and network connectivity, with cargo throughput acting as a partial mediator. While port investment enhances operational efficiency and strengthens trade route resilience, the Gini coefficient analysis indicates substantial imbalances in connectivity, particularly in low-connectivity regions such as Guangzhou, Qinzhou, Lekki Deepwater Port, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. These imbalances are attributed to economic disparities, insufficient funding, and inadequate infrastructure. The findings suggest that targeted investments in these regions are essential to improve connectivity and promote balanced regional development. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to optimize port investments, enhance regional trade networks, and ensure sustainable growth along the Maritime Silk Road.

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21世纪海上丝绸之路沿线港口投资对区域港口网络连通性的影响及其不平衡性

本文利用2014-2023年21个重点港口城市的面板数据，研究了21世纪海上丝绸之路沿线港口投资对区域港口网络连通性及其失衡的影响。分析表明，港口投资与网络连通性之间存在显著的正相关关系，货物吞吐量作为部分中介。虽然港口投资提高了运营效率，增强了贸易航线的韧性，但基尼系数分析表明，连通性存在严重失衡，尤其是在广州、钦州、莱基深水港、阿布扎比和迪拜等连通性较低的地区。这些不平衡归因于经济差距、资金不足和基础设施不足。研究结果表明，在这些地区进行有针对性的投资对于改善连通性和促进区域平衡发展至关重要。本研究为旨在优化港口投资、加强区域贸易网络和确保海上丝绸之路沿线可持续增长的政策制定者和利益相关者提供了有价值的见解。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Regional Studies in Marine Science Agricultural and Biological Sciences-Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

CiteScore

3.90

自引率

4.80%

发文量

336

审稿时长

69 days

期刊介绍： REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE will publish scientifically sound papers on regional aspects of maritime and marine resources in estuaries, coastal zones, continental shelf, the seas and oceans.