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To study the impact of Arctic routes on shipping networks, this paper uses an Arctic route system (ARS) model. Based on the evolution of the ARS, an improved weighted network evolution model (the BBV model) is used to predict the evolution of shipping networks from 2017 to 2035. Then, the multiple linkage analysis method is applied to extract the significant flows in the networks, and a competition network is built. The main results are as follows: (1) Significant flows in the maritime network under the influence of the ARS show an increasing trend and then a decreasing trend during evolution process. (2) According to multiple linkage analysis, Shanghai, Busan, and Tokyo have higher positions. (3) The overall network competition decreases. (4) In terms of the competitive landscape of China's container ports, Guangzhou has the strongest domestic competitive intensity. In addition, Chinese ports that face greater competition from foreign ports are always Shanghai and Shenzhen. One implication of analysis is that due to gradual influence of the ARS, port policy makers should implement different policies at different times. The paper also shows that some ports (such as Shanghai and Ningbo) should formulate cooperation agreements to promote ports development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the most dominant maritime transport mode, container transport is deeply embedded in the global supply chain. Therefore, whilst the world economy was hit by COVID-19, container transport was also inevitably affected. To comprehensively assess the impact of COVID-19 on container transport, this research constructed a global container shipping network and applied complex network theory to compare and analyse the changes in shipping network flows, vulnerability and the status of major hub ports before and after COVID-19. Results showed that the impact of COVID-19 on ports and links in the container shipping network was related to its hub-and-spoke structure and regionalisation. Hub ports on the main shipping lanes and long-distance routes across regions were highly vulnerable to pandemic shocks. Nevertheless, the global container shipping network structure was minimally affected by COVID-19, with increased network size and overall accessibility and a more robust network compared with that in the preoutbreak period. The COVID-19 outbreak also led to a significant change in the status of major global hub ports. This research proposes an evaluation framework that considers network flows and topology. The results could support industry management and shipping companies to improve their contingency plans and port strategies. • Nodes and links in the global shipping container network have been severely damaged due to the impact of COVID-19. • The impact of COVID-19 on ports and links is related to network characteristics. • The global container shipping network is no more vulnerable post-COVID-19 than it was before. • Hub ports on the main shipping lanes and long-distance routes are more vulnerable to COVID-19 impacts. • Competition between dual-core hub ports on the main shipping lanes increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]