Examination of the global container trade relations over the years by network analysis

The basis of maritime transport dates backt to ancient times. In particular factors such as the fact ¾ of the world is covered with water and the increase in globalization have made maritime transport come to the fore. The developments in container transportation have also positively affected the maritime sector, providing an andantage in preferring maritime transportation compared to other modes of transportation In maritime transport it is an advantageous feature among othermodes of transport due to factors, such as carrying more Cargo at one time, being reliable and reducing costs. In this study, network analysis was used to understand the container trade network structure between countries in international trade and visualize the changes that have occured over the years. In order to perform the network analysis, the "Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI)" data in the UNCTAD database published by the United Nations was used and NodeXL, UCINET programs were used. The study, deals with issues such as which of the G20 countries is the strongest/important in the global container relations and the intensity of trade between countries. Especially in the literatüre although there are studies carried out with network analysis in various, fileds of international trade, the fact that no similar study has been found with the global container trade constitues the original aspect of this study.