Location and spatial dynamics of maritime services: A case study of the Yangtze River Delta, China

Abstract

AbstractThe evolution of the spatial structure of maritime services is a geographical phenomenon closely associated with regional port economic development. However, the spatial and temporal characteristics of maritime services are still not fully understood, especially in emerging market countries and regions. The goal of this study was to reveal the regional‐scale location and spatial dynamic characteristics of maritime services and their influencing factors. Specifically, using value chain perspectives, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, we develop a database of maritime service enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta, China. Our empirical results show that maritime services and their various value chain segments display significant spatial agglomeration closely related to the scale of port development. Hub ports and large port cities are the main areas of concentrated maritime services. Moreover, during the spatial reconstruction of regional maritime services, non‐port and small port cities have gradually become important locations for agent maritime services (e.g., shipping agencies, freight forwarding) and traditional maritime services (e.g., port operators, warehouse and storage), dispersing and reconcentrating services in the hinterland. Finally, we analyze the influences of the hinterland logistics center, regional comprehensive transportation network, information communication technology, industrial agglomeration effect, local government competition, and cooperation on the spatial dynamics of maritime services in the Yangtze River Delta region.