Global Maritime Container Shipping Networks 1969–1981: Emergence of Container Shipping and Reopening of the Suez Canal

This study applied graph theory to conduct an empirical analysis of the evolution global maritime container shipping networks, mainly focusing on 1970s. In addition analyzing change in overall structures networks over long term (from 1970s present) and midterm (in 1970s), authors examined changes before after reopening Suez Canal 1975. As a result, it was confirmed that initial single polar network structure, which New York other North American ports were placed at center, changed multipolar finally forming hub-and-spoke structure. Subsequently, discontinuous inter-regional density from 1975 1976 caused by increase average number call 1976, because recession first oil crisis 1973 decreased demand, surplus containerships. would contribute accumulating knowledge vulnerability present future networks.