Liner shipping networks and market concentration

In this paper, the authors investigate the different theoretical approaches to measuring market concentration, as well as the potential effects of market power on the evolution of liner shipping networks. A suggestion is made that recent developments in the maritime industry, especially those that tend towards greater concentration brought about by mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, are changing the structure of specific markets. Smaller markets, in particular, are increasingly under threat from collusive behaviour that could result in shippers having to pay premium prices for international transport, which could have critical implications for the economic development of countries and regions. The authors present evidence on market development and concentration for different trades in South America by applying pivotal concepts from industrial organization, such as economies of scale, density and scope, and contestable market theory. The conclusions show that it is important not only to measure market concentration at the level of a specific trade, but also to note that concentration may be more prevalent than traditional measures might suggest. The revelation from their analysis that there is already a lack of contestability in South American maritime markets which may be stemming economic development within the region is most noteworthy.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.e-elgar.co.uk/bookentry_main.lasso?currency=US&id=13163
• Corporate Authors:

  Edward Elgar Publishers

  William Pratt House, 9 Dewey Court
  Northampton, MA  United States  01060-3815
• Authors:
  • Sanchez, Ricardo J
  • Wilmsmeier, Gordon
• Publication Date: 2010-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 162-206
• Monograph Title: International Handbook of Maritime Economics

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Economic development; Evaluation and assessment; Industry structure; Liner shipping; Maritime industry; Market dominance; Market structure; Markets; Mergers and acquisitions; Networks; Trade
• Geographic Terms: South America
• Subject Areas: Economics; Freight Transportation; Marine Transportation; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01354351
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9781847209344
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 21 2011 7:37AM