A Unique Perspective on Vulnerability and Route Dynamics in the Global Liner Shipping Network

The resilience of the Global Liner Shipping Network (GLSN) has been examined in various studies under different scenarios, with some indicating resilience to random attacks but vulnerable to deliberate attacks, particularly targeting high-degree nodes. This study uniquely focuses on assessing GLSN resilience as adaptability using two different scenarios of real-world data in the face of a significant disruption like pandemic. Through comprehensive network analysis, which includes route dynamic assessment in two different scenarios, we observe that the GLSN demonstrates moderate adaptability to substantial disruptions. Our investigation extends to the dynamic evolution of shipping routes during disruptive periods. Our findings reveal that top-degree nodes are vulnerable for unique routes, while both the highest initial and end ports are vulnerable for similar cross-year routes. Additionally, all scenarios have various impacts on both the adaptability index and traffic change across the years.