Theoretical model of container port system and its empirical research in Yangtze River Delta

The popularization of container transport technology impacts greatly the development of container port system whose evolution theory focuses the influence of technology on spatial and temporal changes of port system,which is of important significance to the construction of port.Based on the review of research progress,we integrate the theoretical model of container port system proposed by Hayuth and Notterboom,in light of the newest characters and developing mechanism of port system in the world,and design an revised theoretical model of container port system which is divided into five spatial-temporal developing stages,including pre-containerization,introduction and experiment of technology,popularization of technology and centre of throughput,hub port,diffusion and offshore hub,regionalization of port.We describe the spatial characteristics of container port system in each developing stage in detail.Its last two developing stages are diffusion and offshore hub and regionalization result from the integrated effect of five aspects,including local restriction of hub port,change of container shipping network,integration of modern logistics resources,inland distribution network and inland terminal,macro-control of the Central Government and market mechanism of port construction.Then,we choose the Yangtze River Delta as a case study,and analyze the evolving process of container port system,especially its changes of spatial characteristics and developing mechanism,to validate the theoretical model of container port system.