ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the role played by leading shipping lines in reshaping interport competition through the selection of their own gateways. It considers the case of port ranges that serve a hinterland. The ports in the maritime range in question are thus primarily hinterland ports, even though they may also perform transhipment operations. It is possible to differentiate between traditional and independent carriers. Traditional shipping lines are situated in the heart of the market: they concentrate most of their capacity in the Pearl River Delta, in Hong Kong but also on the port of Yantian in the special economic zone of Shenzhen. Traditional shipping lines are situated in the heart of the market: they concentrate most of their capacity in the Pearl River Delta, in Hong Kong but also on the port of Yantian in the special economic zone of Shenzhen. The chapter suggests that the establishment of dedicated gateways per range is a key issue for shipping lines.
