Strategic Modeling of Global Container Transport Networks: Exploring the future of port-hinterland and maritime container transport networks

Uncertainties in future global trade flows due to changes in trade agreements, transport technologies or sustainability policies, will affect the patterns of global freight transport and, as a consequence, also affect the demand for major freight transport infrastructures such as ports and hinterland networks. Policy makers face the challenge of making robust policies and investments that sustain and promote economic development amidst the various uncertainties. This thesis proposes a set of empirically grounded quantitative models of global freight transport that can support strategic decision making about investments in freight transport infrastructures. We specify, estimate and validate these models for both maritime and hinterland transport, and apply them in comprehensive analyses of the EU’s and the global container transport networks.