New port development and global city making: emergence of the Shanghai–Yangshan multilayered gateway hub

Planned as Shanghai’s new port, Yangshan is currently expanding its roles as transhipment hub and integrated logistics/industrial center in the Asia–Pacific region. This paper examines the impact of the emergence of Yangshan on the spatial pattern of the Yangtze River Delta since the 1970s, with reference to existing port system spatial evolutionary models. While this emergence confirms the trend of offshore hub development and regionalization processes observed in other regions, we also discuss noticeable deviations due to territorial and governance issues. Strong national policies favoring Shanghai’s vicinity rather than Ningbo as well as the growth of Yangshan beyond sole transhipment functions all contribute to Shanghai’s transformation into a global city.

► Port systems generally evolve through concentration and de-concentration phases. ► Shanghai and the Yangtze case exhibits important deviations from existing models. ► Central and local governments consolidate Shanghai’s global functions. ► Yangshan new port develops both hinterland and transshipment activities. ► Shanghai and Yangshan emerge as a new form of dual hub and gateway.