Analysis of the maritime network and ports in Vietnam

Maneerat Kanrak; Surakan Keawphinuek; Nutchajarin Lohapan; Jingen Zhou

doi:10.33175/mtr.2026.285046

Authors

Maneerat Kanrak Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand
Surakan Keawphinuek Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand
Nutchajarin Lohapan Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand
Jingen Zhou Department of Operations Management, Supply Chain and Information Systems, KEDGE Business School, Marseille, France

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.285046

Keywords:

Maritime shipping network, Vietnam ports, Network analysis, Centrality measures, Global trade connectivity

Abstract

This study investigates the structure and connectivity of Vietnam’s maritime network using Complex Network Analysis. The analysis is based on scheduled liner shipping service data obtained from the Vietnam Shipping Gazette for June 2023, covering services operated by 32 international shipping companies. A weighted maritime network consisting of 75 seaports and 146 shipping routes is constructed, in which ports are represented as nodes, shipping routes as links, and sailing frequency as link weights. Network-level metrics, including network density, average clustering coefficient, and average shortest path length, together with port-level degree, betweenness, and strength centrality measures, are applied to evaluate network structure and port roles. The results show that Vietnam’s maritime network is sparse and highly centralized, with Ho Chi Minh and Hai Phong acting as dominant gateway hubs. Low network density and clustering, combined with a long average path length, indicate limited redundancy and strong hub dependence, suggesting structural vulnerability to disruptions. The findings provide a quantitative basis for assessing maritime network performance and resilience in emerging maritime economies.

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Cite this article:

APA Style:
Kanrak, M., Keawphinuek, S., Lohapan, N., & Zhou, J. (2026). Analysis of the maritime network and ports in Vietnam. Maritime Technology and Research, 8(3), 285046. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.285046

MDPI Style:
Kanrak, M.; Keawphinuek, S.; Lohapan, N.; Zhou, J. Analysis of the maritime network and ports in Vietnam. Marit. Technol. Res. 2026, 8, 285046. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.285046

Vancouver Style:
Kanrak M, Keawphinuek S, Lohapan N, Zhou J. (2026). Analysis of the maritime network and ports in Vietnam. Marit. Technol. Res. 8(3):285046. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.285046

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Highlights

Network is highly centralised, dominated by Ho Chi Minh and Hai Phong gateway hubs.
Low density, minimal clustering, and long path length indicate structural vulnerability.
Weighted network constructed using scheduled liner shipping frequency data.
Integrates network metrics to assess connectivity, hierarchy, and system resilience.
Provides policy-relevant insights for improving connectivity and reducing hub dependence.

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