Network Connection Strategy for Small and Medium-sized Ports (SMPs)

Small and medium-sized ports (SMPs) have been challenged by inadequate capacity and trade volume due to the worldwide economic boom. One of the strategies used to solve this problem is creating new routes with applicable nearby ports. However, the correct and influential ports to connect with must be identified. Hence, we used Social Network Analysis (SNA), including degree centrality, betweenness centrality, and eigenvector centrality, to analyze the maritime container transportation route network of the Port of Incheon in South Korea. Five ports were finalized as candidates after combining the SNA method, local political policies, and the port's current connection status.