Sea Corridor Research Articles

Gansu, Qinghai and Ningxia regions of the new western land and sea corridor Freight network optimization

The new western land and sea corridor makes use of a variety of transport modes to reach major ASEAN countries such as Singapore to the south, connects Southeast Asia and North America to the east, and connects Chongqing, Lanzhou and Xinjiang to the north with the China-European Union (CEU) liner train, which is a composite opening-up corridor in the western region for realising the regional linkage and international co-operation with ASEAN and other countries, and organically connecting with the "One Belt, One Road". In order to explore the regional freight network of Gan-Qing-Ning region of the new western land and sea corridor, we establish the model of node socio-economic attractiveness, topological charisma and comprehensive utility maximization, and analyze the index factors by using entropy weighting, Delphi and comprehensive evaluation methods through the Matlab Genetic Algorithm Toolbox to study the influence of node socio-economic attractiveness, topological charisma, node freight volume, logistics and transportation costs and construction costs on the utility of nodes of the new western land and sea corridor. The influence of the regional node utility of Gansu, Qinghai and Ningxia in the corridor. Analyze the problems and factors affecting the selection of nodes in the existing freight transport corridors in the three provinces. Completing the site selection of Gan-Qing-Ning regional node of the new western land and sea corridor and combining the import and export cargo volume of the three provinces to propose the construction of the South-Middle East three-lane freight corridor, and completing the optimization plan of the freight network. The results show that: scientific optimization and improvement of Gan-Qing-Ning regional freight network can promote the construction of freight network in the northwest region of the new western land and sea corridor, to meet the demand for freight transportation in the corridor, and to promote the development of the corridor industry and economic growth. Thus, it provides reference for the development of Gansu, Qinghai and Ningxia region and freight network optimization.

Navigating the coastal Persian Gulf-Makoran Sea corridor: harnessing the past for sustainable maritime trade

Navigating the coastal Persian Gulf-Makoran Sea corridor: harnessing the past for sustainable maritime trade

REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN DIRECTIONS ON IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY TRANSPORTATION OF MASS CARGO BY RAIL TRANSPORT

The research found that mass cargo transportation in Ukraine plays a key role in the functioning of the economy, driving the development of many industries and ensuring the country's competitiveness in the global market.Based on the analysis of freight transportation volumes over the recent period, the main trends and factors affecting them were identified. In particular, the growth in rail freight transportation is largely due to the expansion of the sea corridor through the Danube ports. This has made it possible to export Ukrainian products to Europe and other regions of the world, which has stimulated growth in demand for rail transportation. Due to the expansion of the maritime corridor and the change in the geopolitical situation, the share of export cargo transported by rail has increased significantly. These are primarily grain, oilseeds, metallurgical products and chemicals.Induced analyzes scientific research related to the issues of improving the efficiency of mass cargo transportation by rail. Such important problems as the problem of timely provision of loading resources, delays in transportation, inefficient use of empty vehicles, loss of cargo during transportation, etc. are considered. Ways to solve these problems, which are considered in the works of scientists, include infrastructure modernization, introduction of new technologies and optimization of logistics processes.The question was raised the issue of the efficiency of using container and containerized transportation technology. Their advantages, such as reduction of time and costs for transportation, environmental friendliness, are shown, and their disadvantages are considered.The mathematical model of the movement of a container train is analyzed and the feasibility of creating dry port-type structures for optimizing the transportation of mass cargo is investigated.These researches point to the need for a systematic approach to improving the efficiency of mass freight transportation by rail, taking into account various aspects, including technological, infrastructural, logistical and organizational aspects. Such an approach will allow achieving a higher level of efficiency and competitiveness of rail transport in the transportation of mass cargo.Proposed measures for improve the efficiency of mass cargo transportation by rail: optimization of routes, increasing energy efficiency and carrying capacity of railcars, modernization of infrastructure, use of the latest technologies, optimization of loading and unloading, and improvement of safety and quality of service.

Spatio-Temporal Pattern and Vulnerability Assessment of the Human Settlements along the Beibu Gulf Coast of Guangxi, China

Human settlement development is intricately linked to production and life, and development quality is a partial indicator of the local community’s social, economic, cultural, and environmental progress. Furthermore, the human settlements’ vulnerability affects their sustainable development potential. Due to the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and land and sea corridor development in southwestern China, the Beibu Gulf coast in Guangxi is the sole waterway bridgehead used by China for opening trade with ASEAN. By examining the region’s human settlements and its potential for sustainable development, we established a benchmark for the region’s seaward economy and human settlements to achieve synergistic progress, as well as to enhance regional integration. Based on the systematic evaluation of the quality of human settlements along the Beibu Gulf coast in Guangxi, the vulnerability assessment model of human settlement was adopted to analyse the vulnerability and spatial–temporal patterns of nearby human settlements in 2010–2019, while the multiple linear regression model was used to explore their influencing factors. Our findings indicate that the quality of human settlements in the study area has experienced three distinct stages. In the early stage (2010–2012), we noted an overall year-on-year increase in settlement quality. However, in the middle stage (2013–2016), Fangchenggang and Beihai experienced a decline followed by an increase, while Qinzhou demonstrated a steady growth in settlement quality. Qinzhou continued to experience growth, albeit at a slower rate, while Fangchenggang’s rate of increase surpassed that of Beihai. The human settlements’ high-quality centre shifted between Qinzhou and Fangchenggang in the late stage (2017–2019). Additionally, in recent years, the settlements’ high-quality centre has shifted towards the western part of the region. The habitat’s sensitivity has grown slowly, as has the responsiveness index, but the vulnerability index continues to decline, and it is characterised by a spatial differentiation ranging from low to high values in a centre–east–west direction. The region’s human settlement quality is primarily influenced by economic development. The region’s habitat vulnerability is primarily caused by responsibility, and the primary factors affecting responsibility are regional imbalances in social service development, the population’s welfare, and employment and infrastructure.

China’s Digital Silk Road: Challenges and Opportunities for Latin America and the Caribbean

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a Beijing-led format for international cooperation through the building of land and sea corridors connecting China with other countries and regions. One of its pillars is the Digital Silk Road (DSR), which aims to reduce the digital divide and improve the digital connectivity of the participating countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the DSR’s activation, which makes it urgent to study its practical implementation in different regions. The aim of this article is to analyze the conceptual foundations of the DSR and its implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The study relies on the technology leadership theory, which allows considering the DSR as an alternative format of cooperation used by China to reform digital international relations. Since it challenges the technological dominance of the West, especially the United States, the power transition theory is also of heuristic value. The methodological basis of the research covers a wide range of general scientific methods of political analysis. The primary sources of empirical analysis are government documents, papers of think tanks, international organizations and forums, statistical data, interactive maps, speeches by officials, etc. In the course of the study, the following objectives are achieved: to trace the evolution of the DSR concept in the official policy discourse; to systematize scientific works on the issue; to highlight key elements of the initiative; to identify opportunities and limitations for its implementation in the LAC region; to present the US response to the intensification of Sino-LAC digital cooperation. It is concluded that the DSR plays an important role in achieving the strategic objective of transforming China into a technological superpower. Therefore, it is highly likely to become a backbone of cooperation under the BRI.

CONCEPTUAL PROVISIONS OF THE FORMATION OF CARGO FLOWS OF MARITIME TRANSPORT OF UKRAINE IN THE SECURITY MEASURE IN THE POST-WAR PERIOD

Topicality. Formation of cargo flows is an important component of modern logistics and supply chain. Today, the transport system, especially water transport, is in a state of turbulence. In modern conditions, when Ukraine is left without a key logistics chain, it is necessary to focus attention precisely on the importance and role of Ukrainian sea transport in the formation of cargo flows that ensure food security. That is why there is a need to review the economic approaches used to regulate cargo flows and the need to develop a general guiding course for the post-war recovery of maritime logistics traffic by shaping cargo flows in the context of the global sefety system.Aim and tasks. The purpose of the study is to develop conceptual provisions regarding the formation of cargo flows by maritime transport of Ukraine in the context of global security based on individual reference markets, in particular, types of cargo transportation in the post-war period. The tasks that must be solved in order to achieve the set goal: a) analysis of cargo flows and cargo volumes for the period from 2017 to 2023, to single out among the full nomenclature of cargoes the main markets that can be relied on in the post-war period, during the revival of maritime logistics traffic; b) give a brief description of the current state of the markets of selected cargoes; to develop and propose conceptual provisions for the formation of cargo flows in the context of global navigation sefety on the basis of reference markets.Materials and Methods. This study is based on the use of conceptual provisions on the formation of cargo flows to solve the problems of food security and the global shipping security system. The methods of: graphic method, statistical analysis, system analysis, economic analysis on the example of cargo flows of water transport are applied.Reserch results. The authors of the study conducted a thorough analysis of cargo flows of various types of products that can be exported abroad by sea transport. The indicators presented in the article highlight the economic trends of domestic cargo flows of products transported by the sea corridor. Thus, an analytical study of the formation of cargo flows in the section of each seaport of Ukraine for the period from 2017 to 2021, i.e. the pre-war period, was conducted. The importance and expediency of using Ukrainian sea transport in ensuring global cargo flows is substantiated. The authors formed a concept regarding the formation of cargo flows by maritime transport of Ukraine in terms of security.Conclusion. Thus, the borders of some EU countries remain closed for the export of Ukrainian grain (only transit to distant European ports), we believe that Ukraine should keep its sights on third countries that directly depend on domestic grain and agri-food, namely: Indonesia, the Philippines, Morocco, India, PSA (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore) and African countries. After russia broke the agreement and began massively destroying the port infrastructure of seaports and river ports on the Danube, the Government is now opening "temporary sea corridors" that carry out transportation under the protection of the Armed Forces Navy. Therefore, from August 2023, transshipment of grain and oil takes place exclusively through the "temporary grain corridor" and the Danube ports. The total amount of export of agricultural products amounted to 3.6 million tons, out of the planned 6 million tons.

What Would Be Necessary to Construct a Rule Framework for Sustainability in the New Western Land–Sea Corridor? An Analysis Based on Green International Rule of Law

The New Western Land–Sea Corridor is the lifeline of international cargo transportation between China and the ASEAN. Transit transportation causes environmental damage to transit countries, and there is an urgent need to establish a sustainable rule framework for the New Western Land–Sea Corridor. The international rule of law originates from the documents of the United Nations General Assembly. The theoretical foundation of green transportation is sustainability. The connections and interactions between sustainability and the international rule of law constitute a green international rule of law. From the perspective of the green international rule of law, there are challenges in establishing a sustainable rule framework, such as the limited capacity of transit countries to ensure ecological security, the insufficient supply of collective efforts based on international environmental protection rules, the abuse of environmental protection exceptions leading to trade barriers, and conflicting judgments arising from parallel environmental infringement lawsuits. This article adopts the methods of text research, conceptual interpretation, and comparative research. China should take the green international rule of law as guidance, establish a green foreign aid mechanism for the New Western Land–Sea Corridor, explore an independent contribution mechanism for international environmental protection rules based on collective efforts, adhere to the principle of treaty compliance to limit the abuse of environmental protection exceptions, and build a diversified environmental dispute prevention and resolution mechanism for the New Western Land–Sea Corridor.

The impact of new western land and sea corridor development on port deep hinterland transport service and route selection

New transportation corridor development aims to provide more convenient transportation conditions for port deep hinterland areas and to enhance the two-way opening of land and sea through the utilization of various transport modes, such as railroad, highway, and water transportation. In this paper, the microcontainer transport service and route selection problem is introduced within a new transportation corridor context, and a decision-making tool is provided for shippers to develop door-to-door service plans. A multiobjective 0–1 planning model is constructed with the objective of minimizing the total transportation cost, transportation time, and carbon emissions. The loading and unloading time windows of railroad and waterway transportation, as well as the time window of consignee receipt, are considered in model construction to obtain the nondominated Pareto optimal front. The validity of both the model and algorithm is demonstrated in this paper by using the Chongqing-Hamburg and Chengdu-Hamburg routes, following the development of the New Western Land and Sea Corridor (NWLSC), as examples. The example results show that the NWLSC is appealing for time-sensitive cargoes, and its economic benefits can be enhanced if relevant policies such as railroad freight reductions are supported. The findings in this paper can provide decision support for western provinces in the implementation of targeted policies to regulate and optimize the regional transportation structure, which can further promote the opening up of western Chinese provinces as well as the integrated and coordinated development of coastal and inland regions, providing practical value for reducing carbon emissions.

Relevance and potential of the Arctic Sea Routes on the LNG trade

The retreat of the ice around the freezing waters of the Arctic Ocean is opening new waterways where shipping activity could transport commodities between continents. One of the essential products is natural gas - LNG, which is transported in large tankers from exporters to importers. This study aims to explore the dynamics of the LNG trade by using these new tentative routes with conventional sea lanes and estimating the changes in the LNG trade. We utilize Agent-Based Modeling to develop a global LNG model with interactive GIS features, where the agents are the players in the LNG market. The results demonstrate the preponderance of the North-East Passage (NEP, Eurasian Arctic waters) over the North-Western Passage (NWP, the Canadian Arctic) in providing a shortcut connecting Europe with Asia. This passage favors a growing exporter like Russia with exporting facilities in Siberia and future strategic projects to increase liquefaction capacity. The NEP becomes crucial when considering scenarios of a European ban on Russian imports, as European countries are planning due to the crisis with Russia. On the importing side, the Asian Pacific and South Asian importers are the winners with a diverse and shorter LNG supply source. Future Canadian projects may also benefit from these new highways. However, there are also substantial challenges to providing the NEP with the proper infrastructure and systems to make the Polar LNG journeys safe and sound shortly. Beyond that, the Arctic sea corridors may alleviate the high LNG transit through the conventional routes and their chokepoints, but they are not a replacement for the conventional ones, not even with the most favorable conditions.

THE BALTIC-BLACK SEA UNION AS AN AXIS OF UKRAINE’S SECURITY: REALITIES AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

The article analyzes the stages of formation of the Baltic-Black Sea community as a geopolitical, economic and security area, the historical and theoretical basis for the emergence of such a community and the changes that took place in the Baltic-Black Sea region after the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine in 2022. In addition, the issue of security cooperation is considered states of the region. The main priorities for the development of cooperation between states in the future have been identified. The main questions regarding the issues of cooperation between the states of the region and the structures of the EU and NATO in conditions of tension and open aggression of the Russian Federation after 2022 have been developed. Today, it is obvious that when specialists and politicians of the region discuss the project of the Baltic-Black Sea Alliance, it is primarily about security aspects and motives. In our opinion, only one security aspect is not enough for a project to be complete and viable. The economic component of project implementation is also extremely important. The West’s delay in accepting Ukraine into the EU and NATO requires Ukraine to find allies to protect its independence and sovereignty from Russian aggression. Such potential allies are primarily Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Romania, Moldova, and Georgia, which, like Ukraine, have more than once been victims of the imperial policy of tsarist, Soviet, and Putin’s Russia. Nowdays we can see that Western Europe is no longer ready to offer new guidelines, then the Baltic-Black Sea Corridor should become not only a territory for the generation of joint economic benefits, but also a territory for the generation of new meanings. The Baltic-Black Sea Union creates new challenges and provides an opportunity to respond to them. This is the true idea of Europeanness. Europe is a search for something new. Ukraine must take on the mission of giving new answers to what Europe can be today.

The Persian Gulf-Black Sea International Transport and Transit Corridor: Goals and Constraints

ABSTRACT The Persian Gulf-Black Sea International Transport and Transit Corridor is a multimodal and combined network of ships, rails, and road freight routes connecting Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Bulgaria, and Greece. Iran is the trustee of the agreement and has played the central role in establishing a transit route to the Black Sea region as ‘Tehran’s forgotten bridge to Europe’ since its inception in 2016. Nonetheless, the Persian Gulf-Black Sea Corridor faces significant obstacles and challenges: resolving Iran’s nuclear issues, resolving disputes between Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and stabilizing the security situation in the Black Sea following the Ukraine war, all of which reduce its efficiency and quality. In these circumstances, connecting the Iranian railway to the Caucasus and Armenia and building Armenia’s North-South highway and the deep port of Anaklia on Georgia’s Black Sea coast can stretch the capacities of the Persian Gulf-Black Sea Corridor. It can also strengthen the Wider Black Sea Region and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).

The Central English Channel troughs: major source-to-sink remnants or giant tidal scours?

The Central English Channel troughs correspond to elongated incisions up to 250 m-deep, at several locations at the bottom of this sea corridor. Depending on their location, they are usually interpreted as part of the submerged quaternary paleovalley network or as resulting from megaflood events. Shedding light on these features, their age, and the processes underlying their development is key for understanding their significance in terms of event geology. The interpretation of a dense grid of high-resolution marine seismic data acquired in the Bay of Seine area reveals that the extensive Quaternary paleovalley and trough network commonly as associated to the “Channel River” system is actually subdivided into at least two superimposed and unrelated incised networks. The overlying network corresponds to fluvial incisions developing during low sea-level conditions of Pleistocene time and connects to the present day fluvial network. The underlying network corresponds to the troughs and appears as a complex, deeper, relatively discontinuous and isolated network. This older network shows unexpected local incision depth up to c.350-400 m-deep and complex sedimentary infill involving several sedimentary processes and environments from fluvial to tidal and shallow-marine. We discuss these observations and their implications for understanding the origin, age and development of the troughs all over the English Channel, from the Dangeard Troughs in the Dover Strait to the Hurd Deep at the western end. We also raise questions about the significance of these large incised features in terms of source-to-sink system of northwestern Europe.

Cosmo‐political landscapes of Torres Strait adhi and misœri stones: Closing the gap between Islander and non‐indigenous perspectives

ABSTRACTTorres Strait (TS), on Australia's north‐east border, has a long history of research on pœrapœral kulal: powerful stones. Pœrapœral kulal contain vital power from site‐of‐origin and therefore their movement across the Coral‐Arafura Sea corridor provides important information about past and present human relationships (Elu 2004). With few exceptions Western models draw on anthropological, linguistic and site origin research collated by a Cambridge University field team over 100 years ago, with little detailed reassessment of stone raw material and distribution or geological and archaeological surveys conducted within the intervening period. It is also unclear how TS Islanders engage with this literature, particularly the many communities poorly represented by 19th‐century studies. In this paper, we test several assumptions influencing recent literature from contemporary islander and non‐indigenous perspectives. This includes assessing whether: (a) western scholarship models oversimplify terminology and discussion; (b) early geological assessments of substantive movement of stones is correct; and (c) movement of exotic stones was a common feature across TS. Finally, using detailed cultural, archaeology, geology, and language data sets we reinterpret the regionally‐varying role and antiquity of pœrapœral kulal within this animate cosmo‐political land and seascape.

Regional Economic Linkages and Evolution along the New Western Land and Sea Corridor

In order to study the degree of economic linkages among western regions and promote coordinated development among regions. Based on the economic development of 13 regions in 2000, 2010 and 2019, the article uses a modified gravity model to measure the strength of economic linkages in each region, and then analyzes the economic network structure of the regions along the Western Land and Sea New Corridor from three aspects: network density, core-edge relationship and multidimensional centrality through social network analysis methods. The results show that, firstly, the amount of economic ties among the 13 regions along the Western Land and Sea Corridor is low, but the overall trend is one of rapid growth, and the regions are becoming more and more closely connected. Secondly, the density of linked networks in the 13 regions along the New Western Land and Sea Corridor is steadily increasing, with cities in the core and peripheral areas evolving and being influenced by national policies, and the phenomenon of multiple cores coming to the fore. Finally, the rise of non-core regions, the status of core regions is constantly diluted, and the unevenness of the structure of the economic linkage network is improved. And suggestions are made to promote the coordinated economic development between regions.

Российско-украинское противостояние в Черном море через призму «зерновой сделки»

The launch of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine was marked by the closure of a sufficiently large water area of the northwestern part of the Black Sea that Russia declared a “temporarily dangerous area” where it could not guarantee the safety of navigation. This affected the interests of both Ukraine and neutral states in the field of maritime trade. At the request of the UN Secretary-General, the Russian Federation formed a sea corridor for the safe transportation of the Ukrainian grain and other products in order to address the problem of hunger and food insecurity in most vulnerable states. This initiative was implemented until Russia pressed reasonable charges of complete violation of the peaceful spirit of the grain deal by Ukraine. Russia’s withdrawal from the “grain deal” marked the return to the regime of the temporarily dangerous area, which Ukraine and its foreign partners hastened to declare a full-fledged blockade. The formation of such a “closed” area for shipping and accusations of blockade require a legal analysis of the situation.

The Role of the Digital Transformation in the Fight against Crime at Sea

Crime control at the sea involves public activities to create a modern security system in seaports, at the territorial sea and the adjacent zone throughout the sea corridors, as well as in the open sea on sea routes with intensive shipping.Aim. Impact assessment of digital transformation on maritime crime control.Tasks. Firstly, to characterize the impact of digital technologies on the nature of pirate attacks and other maritime offenses, which are actual threats to the maritime infrastructure. Secondly, to analyze the impact of modern measures to combat maritime crime on the economy of seaports, shipping companies and other maritime business entities. Thirdly, to demonstrate the role of the seaport administration and private military companies in the fight against offenses at sea.Methods. The study is carried out by formal legal and comparative legal methodology using a review-analytical approach.Results. Data analysis shows that the administrations of seaports are interested in optimizing security costs by creating a convenient digital management system for the coastal infrastructure. Security systems and logistics solutions depend on the effectiveness of digital technologies implemented in the interests of ensuring the safety of navigation. The Convention for the Safety of Human Life at Sea (SOLAS-74/88), supplemented by the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) in 2004, provides for a universal maritime security system, however, the implementation of these standards in a number of regions of the World Ocean is not enough to neutralize coastal criminal threats.Conclusion. In the context of digitalization, measures to combat crime at sea lead to significant costs, as they require complex technological infrastructure on ships and in ports. The norms of the law of the sea aimed at combating piracy and smuggling should be implemented at the national level, taking into account the socio-economic features of the maritime infrastructure development. Since negative economic trends entail an increase in criminal activity, the economic interests of commercial shipping entities should not be sacrificed in the fight against piracy and smuggling.

Sino-Indian Rivalry: Sri Lanka

The article is devoted to Sri Lanka, one of the zones of strategic interests of China and India. Both Asian states are forming new consumer markets, building new sea corridors, and in the busiest maritime trade corridor in the world – the Indian Ocean, their competition for control over key transport arteries is becoming more and more evident. In the current conditions, the value of control over logistics is determined not so much by the volume of trade and benefits, as by the ability to consistently generate added value. Thus, Sri Lanka, being at the center of the strategic priorities of India and China in South Asia, turns into a zone of vital interests of the two Asian dominant forces. The study shows the weaknesses and strengths of Sri Lanka, which can affect the further balance of relations between the three states.

Black Gold, Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea: Daunting Task for the Navy Along the Coast of Ghana

The Gulf of Guinea (GoG) is now a hotspot for maritime piracy and armed robbery. The interest in this region is bothered on the Modus Operandi of the pirates in these waters. The attacks are well planned and executed, and though sometimes vicious, their focus is mainly on getting their hands on the ship’s cargo mostly oil. The term ‘Petro Piracy’ has evolved because of this practice. Additionally, Pirate Action Group (PAG) attack and Kidnapping For Ransom (KFR) frequently occur in these areas. The maritime situation does not end with piracy and armed robbery alone but other acts such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, trafficking of illegal drugs, people and firearms. Keeping these sea lanes remains a daunting task for navies and coast guards in this region who have logistical challenges and technical support to effectively engage head-on with these pirates. With the recent oil finds in the Gulf of Guinea and the coast of Ghana in particular, the situation has become even more precarious as pirates in this region become better equipped and emboldened. Ghana has her oil offshore and is drilled using the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) system. The Offloading part makes the FPSO very vulnerable to attacks by armed robbers. This paper considers the challenges faced in maritime security along this sea corridor and the efforts by the Ghana Navy, Regional and Foreign Navies in their joint coordinated strategies to curb this overarching threat.

Accessibility and Economic Connections between Cities of the New Western Land–Sea Corridor in China—Enlightenments to the Passageway Strategy of Gansu Province

In 2019, China proposed the New Western Land–Sea Corridor (NWLSC) to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between China and Southeast Asia. As an important province in western China, Gansu plays a crucial role in transportation and cultural exchange in the Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB). Thus, how to develop the strategic passageway of Gansu Province becomes the research focus. In order to enhance the radiation effect of the NWLSC on the northwestern region and help Gansu Province expand its pattern of expanding, this paper firstly selects 16 core cities in this Corridor by using an accessibility method and an urban flow intensity method; then, analyzing the status of accessibility and the economic connection patterns between those cities; and lastly, obtaining conclusions that the accessibility of space layout is “corridor style”, the spatial distribution of urban flow intensity is balanced, and Gansu should actively participate in southbound gateway and gain the full advantages of the “golden passageway”. To sum up, this paper is innovative in terms of regional selection, research methods, and theoretical significance.

Ghana’s Oil find and the Threat of Maritime Piracy in the Shipping Corridor of the Gulf of Guinea

The Gulf of Guinea (GoG) has now carved a name for itself as a piracy hotspot now surpassing the Gulf of Aden in pirate attacks. This sea corridor remains a life line to many of the littoral and land locked states in that region. Oil is an important commodity and the sea lines of communications cannot be overemphasized. Ghana joined the main players of oil production when oil was discovered its Jubilee Oil Field. Being an offshore venture, the oil is stored in the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel and later offloaded on sea tanker vessels for export. The FPSO is visible as a stationary vessel a couple of nautical miles from the shore and therefore makes it vulnerable to piracy attacks. This paper highlights the modus operandi of these pirate groups notable among them are the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and also in 2016 the emergence of the Niger Delta Avengers. A PESTLE and SWOT analysis of the situation is looked at while some of the drivers mitigating the ascendency of piracy in this region is mentioned. There is the need for the regional and international security agencies to coordinate their efforts and intensify their efforts in policing the GoG. As a means of Best Management Practice (BMP), vessels are advised to ensure adherence to these practices and fortify themselves with modern communication devices and surveillance equipment to help make early detection of pirate boats as well as having a well-equipped citadel with dedicated communication devices should the need arise to use them.