Title: Operation patterns of port shipping network under RCEP: an empirical analysis of Shanghai

Authors: Jiawei Ge; Junshuo Huang; Lei Zhao

Addresses: College of Transport and Communications, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, China; School of Naval Architecture Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200241, China ' College of Transport and Communications, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, China ' College of Transport and Communications, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, China

Abstract: The regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP) marks a major milestone in advancing regional seaborne trade, with profound implications for maritime transportation and economic integration. This paper investigates the basic connecting patterns among ports within the shipping network of the RCEP area. A weighted regional shipping network is constructed, utilising a joint coefficient of ship departure frequency and route capacity as the edge weight. The motif discovery algorithm is then leveraged to unearth the network's motif structure, revealing operation patterns among three-port and four-port combinations. Subsequently, we introduce link prediction theory and propose a hierarchical centrality-based model to estimate future connectivity within the RCEP region. Further, an empirical analysis is conducted on the container shipping network of Shanghai. Based on the insights gleaned from frequency enhancement and pattern improvement, this paper proposes optimisation strategies for the shipping network layout of Shanghai, providing crucial decision-making support for both enterprises and government bodies.

Keywords: complex network; port shipping network; regional comprehensive economic partnership; RCEP; motif; link prediction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.155746

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2026 Vol.23 No.1, pp.77 - 98

Accepted: 17 Apr 2026
Published online: 12 Aug 2026 *

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