The Functional Structure Convergence of China s Coastal Ports

Transcription

1 sustaability Article Functional Structure Convergence Cha s Coastal Ports Wei Wang 1,2,3, Chengj Wang 1, * Fengjun J 1 1 Institute Geographic Sciences Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijg , Cha; wang21600@163.com (W.W.); Jfj@igsnrr.ac.cn (F.J.) 2 University Chese Academy Sciences, Beijg , Cha 3 School Geography, Beijg Normal University, Beijg , Cha * Correspondence: cjwang@igsnrr.ac.cn Received: 6 September 2017; Accepted: 23 November 2017; Published: 28 November 2017 Abstract: Functional structure is an important part a port system, can reflect resource endowments economic development needs hterl. In this study, we vestigated transportation function coastal Cha from perspective cargo structure usg a similarity coefficient. Our research considered both adjacent hub. We found that transportation function some adjacent was very similar terms structure (e.g., Qhuangdao Huanghua) bound structure (e.g., Huanghua Tangshan). Ports around Bohai Bay port group Yangtze River Delta most competitive areas terms bound structure, respectively. major contributors to port similarity different regions varied geographically due to different market dems cargo supplies. For adjacent, functional convergence bound structure was more serious than. convergence between hub was more serious than between adjacent terms both bound structure. average similarity coefficients displayed an creasg trend over time. This study furr develops ory transport geography, improves our understg Cha s port transportation system, can provide reference for policy-makers ir port development decisions. Keywords: similarity coefficient; Cha s coastal ; functional structure; adjacent ; hub 1. Introduction As an important part a comprehensive transportation system, are considered an open wdow bridge for countries regions. y also enable participation ternational cooperation competition. Port functional structure corresponds to cargo structure volvg proportion various kds goods, which can reflect resource endowments economic development needs hterl. refore, it has become a research focus port geography. Due to economies scale, national port activities tend to be concentrated one or two with a good location favorable natural conditions. Many studies have been conducted worldwide on agglomeration dispersion port systems. Rimmer [1] reported a tendency for decentralization a study Australian Sea. Notteboom [2] studied port system Europe , came to conclusion that contaerization did not necessarily result centralization or decentralization. In later research, Notteboom [3] found that European port system had experienced a dispersal process degree concentration contaers had become greater than that or cargoes. Pearl River Delta port system Cha has evolved from a one-gateway hub to two-gateway port, n to a three-port, which related to contaer traffic dispersion with creasg operation costs origal hub port [4]. For Yangtze River Delta, degree concentration all cargoes has followed a declg tendency. degree Sustaability 2017, 9, 2185; doi: /su

2 Sustaability 2017, 9, centralization cargoes, from high to low, was reported as: contaers, oil, gas, associated products, metallic ores, mg ores, coal [5]. ma methods used to calculate degree agglomeration are Gi coefficient, Lorenz Curve, Herfdahl Hirschman Index [6,7]. Many vestigators have conducted studies port competitiveness. This has volved selection dicators establishment evaluation models. ma dicators that have been used are port throughput, gross domestic product (GDP) port city, number berths [8]. Widely used evaluation methods clude factor analysis, prcipal component analysis, data envelopment analysis, analytic hierarchy process [9]. Some models established to exame relative competitiveness [10]. participation private sector port community systems can enhance port competitiveness adaptability to dems customers, which are also important factors [11,12]. port decentralization regulation mode benefit whole society, sce it lowers tariff raises port efficiency, dem, social welfare [13]. Many studies have focused on competition cooperation among a port group. Tovar studied competitiveness connectivity contaer Canary Isls by means graph ory [14]. Óscar examed economic centives welfare implications port tegration with l transport services under ter-port competition [15]. Some such studies also have been conducted Cha. Ports around Bohai Bay have a similar hterl competition between m is very large [16,17]. For Yangtze River Delta, contaer transportation has become highly concentrated, Shanghai Ngbo-Zhoushan have fiercely competitive relations [18]. re is more competition than cooperation at Fujian functional structure port system is homogenous [19]. functional division Pearl River Delta is relatively clear re is more cooperation among than competition [20]. re is functional differentiation between adjacent contaer, i.e., large focus on foreign trade, while or small focus on domestic trade [21]. Smaller close to regional hub centers are required to seek collaborations with neighborg rar than compete agast each or [22]. Effective cooperation can benefit each port. European acquired a domant position by establishg strategic alliances [23]. function Guangxi Beibu Gulf was adjusted by local government to tegrate power three crease competitiveness whole region [24]. competition cooperation has also been studied from perspective game ory [25,26]. re are also many studies explorg fluence government port competition. Notteboom studied port governance Cha sce 2004 found decentralization caused an creased focus on seaport tegration co-operation [27]. Port efficiency level, port service dem social welfare are higher under decentralization mode [13]. Most se studies focused on port throughput, distribution sea routes, foreign trade. re was no detailed analysis competition between from perspective cargo structure. Hterl is source location port cargoes, also destation cargoes passengers that are received by. Thus, existence development is dependent on se regions [28]. competition between is actually a fight over hterl. A port whose hterl has richer resources larger markets will have more potential for development. similarity coefficient is an effective parameter to dicate degree similarity two structures. Its widest application has been assessment dustrial structures. dustrial structure terior provces Cha deviates from national structure, while coastal provces host similar dustries [29]. phenomenon dustrial isomorphism has been reported Fujian Taiwan [30]. similarity coefficient has also been widely used or areas. For example, it was used to measure degree homogenization air Yangtze River Delta Region [31]. In recent years, coastal Cha have accelerated construction various specialized termals. This has led to similarity port transportation functions will result overbuildg a waste resources. highly similar transportation functions may damage long-term development [32]. Few studies have focused on similarity port transportation functions

3 Sustaability 2017, 9, from perspective cargo structure. refore, we studied port transportation functions Cha s coastal based on ir cargo structure, explored characteristics ir geographical distribution. Sustaability 2017, 9, Data Methods from perspective cargo structure. refore, we studied port transportation functions 2.1. DataCha s Samples coastal based on ir cargo structure, explored characteristics ir geographical distribution. ma data used this study cargo throughput figures coastal 2014, which obtaed from Yearbook Cha Transportation Communications. Data for 2000, 2005, 2. Data Methods 2010 used for a time series analysis. refore, data 2000, 2005, 2010, 2014 used 2.1. Data yearbook Samples considers 17 categories cargo: coal, oil, metal ore, iron steel, meral this paper. buildg materials, fertilizers pesticides, salt, gra, ma cement, data usedwood, this non-metallic study ore, cargochemical throughput figures coastal 2014, which obtaed from Yearbook Cha Transportation Communications. machery equipment, chemical raw materials, nonferrous metals, light dustrydata for medice, 2000, 2005, 2010 used a time series analysis. refore, datacategories 2000, 2005, 2014 animal husbry fishery, for or goods. Contaers 2010, goods this paper used this paper. yearbook considers 17 categories cargo: coal, oil, metal ore, iron belong to different classification systems. Contaer transport is a modern method transportation, steel, meral buildg materials, cement, wood, non-metallic ore, chemical fertilizers pesticides, rar than an actual type cargo. Accordg to raw materials, Port Statistical Report System, when cargo salt, gra, machery equipment, chemical nonferrous metals, light dustry a contaer cannot classified, is recorded asgoods. or Contaers goods. refore, cargo contaers has medice, animalbe husbry itfishery, or categories goods paper belong to to different classification systems. Contaer transport is a modern alreadythis been classified coal, metal ore, so on yearbook, ormethod goodscategory actual type cargo.categorized. Accordg to Portstudy, Statistical System, contastransportation, some actualrar cargothan thatancannot be furr In this we Report used or goods when cargo a contaer cannot be classified, it is recorded as or goods. refore, cargo category did not volve study contaers. analysis dustrial structure was based on contaers has already been classified to coal, metal ore, so on yearbook, or output value each dustry coastal provces, with data obtaed from Cha Industry goods category contas some actual cargo that cannot be furr categorized. In this study, we used Statistical Yearbook. or goods category did not volve study contaers. analysis dustrial Asstructure focus study, we selected coastal whichwith re are 49 accordg wasbased on output value each dustry Cha, coastal provces, data obtaed from Cha Industry Statistical Yearbook. to National Plan for Coastal Ports Layout (Figure 1). In Yangtze River Delta, we followed As focus we selected coastal are Cha, which re 49 accordg traditional defition, study, which below Nanjg considered to beare ocean. to It should National Plan for Coastal Ports Layout (Figure 1). In Yangtze River Delta, we followed be noted that some dependent have become amalgamated to port areas around certa traditional defition, which below Nanjg are considered to be ocean. It should be, due to tegration reorganization. Port statistics can refore be confusg this noted that some dependent have become amalgamated to port areas around certa, study we followed latest affiliation Port tatistics areas as statistical stard. portwe has three due to tegration reorganization. can refore be confusg Suzhou this study port areas, Zhangjiagang, Changshu, Taicang; Tangshan port has two areas, followed latest affiliation port areas as statistical stard. Suzhou port port has three portjgtang areas, Zhangjiagang, Changshu, has Taicang; porttaipg, has two port areas, Jgtang Caeidian; Caeidian; Dongguan port threetangshan port areas, Machong, Shatian. port areas Dongguan port has three port areas, Taipg, Machong, Shatian. port areasalthough LongkouNgbo Longkou Lanshan belong to Yantai Rizhao, respectively. Lanshan belong to Yantai Rizhao, respectively. Although Ngbo Zhoushan Zhoushan have been merged, y still belong to different admistrative districts are have been merged, y still belong to different admistrative districts are relatively relatively dependent. refore, we considered to be separate. dependent. refore, we considered m to bem separate. Figure 1. A map coastal Cha. Figure 1. A map coastal Cha.

4 Sustaability 2017, 9, Defition Evaluation Model In this paper, function is defed from perspective cargo structure. If a port loads a certa kd cargo, it is considered havg transportation function this cargo. For example, if throughput a port contas coal oil, it is considered havg coal transportation function oil transportation function. Functional convergence means that se two have similar cargo structure, cludg type proportion goods. While functional division means y have quite different cargo structure. dustrial similarity coefficient was proposed by International Industrial Research Center United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) [33]. It has been effectively applied for similarity analysis various disciples. We used it here analysis degree convergence port transportation functions. formula used calculation is as follows: S ij = n k=1 X ikx jk n k=1 X2 ik n k=1 X2 jk (1) where S ij is similarity coefficient port transportation functions X ik X jk are proportion cargo k i j, respectively. range S ij is (0, 1). larger value, higher degree similarity transportation structure two beg vestigated. If value is one, n it dicates that functional structure two is exactly same. A value zero dicates that ir functional structure is completely complementary. 3. Adjacent Ports a Port Group A similarity analysis port transportation function was conducted at two levels: adjacent hub. Adjacent usually serve same economic hterl. refore, studyg similarity between adjacent can determe wher re is redundant construction at each port. Hub tend to compete have a deep hterl; thus, we vestigated ir similarity construction by calculatg similarity coefficient hub. Based on experience, we chose as cut-f values. If similarity coefficient was greater than 0.8, two had a similar functional structure. If it was less than 0.2, y complementary Similarities Outbound Structure Adjacent Ports structure a port is a reflection resources its hterl. hterls adjacent ten overlap with each or. Studyg similarity structure adjacent can reveal wher re is a clear division labor associated with cargo output between m. Based on prciples described above, we calculated similarity coefficient all adjacent 2014 produced Figure 2 (for detailed results see Table A1 Appendix A). In this figure, a red le represents similar a green le represents complementary. thicker le is, greater degree similarity or complementarity re is. Accordg to Figure 2, re 40 pairs that had a similar structure. Among m, similarity coefficients 23 pairs greater than 0.9. Qhuangdao Huanghua had highest coefficient similarity coefficients Taizhou Wenzhou, Shenzhen Zhanjiang, Zhongshan Jiangmen, Dalian Ygkou also greater than se pairs had a high degree transportation structure convergence. After analyzg cargo structure se, we found that each pair similar hled same ma cargoes re was no significant difference proportions hled. re three ma kds cargo: coal, meral buildg materials or goods. Among 40 pairs similar, ma cargo for 20 pairs was or goods, for 12 pairs it was coal, for six pairs it was meral buildg materials. For example, structures Qhuangdao Huanghua both domated by coal,

5 Sustaability 2017, 9, Sustaability 2017, 9, which accounted for 91.6% 98.3% ir volume, respectively. proportions so closeproportions that ir transportation function structures almoststructures same, almost y competed so close that ir transportation function same,fiercely with each or to fiercely supply coal hterl. proportions coal among materials y competed withtoeach or to supply coal to hterl. proportions coal hled Qhuangdao Tangshan, Tangshan, Zhenjiang Nantong amongat materials hledhuanghua at Qhuangdao Tangshan, Huanghua Tangshan, Zhenjiang Nantong alsowas very similar.buildg Anormaterial. ma cargo meral buildg also very similar. Anor ma cargo meral was proportion meral material. proportion meral buildg materials materialswas hled buildg materials among materials hledamong at Zhongshan Jiangmen 62.9%at Zhongshan Jiangmen wasseveral 62.9%similar 68.9%, re several similar pairs 68.9%, respectively. re pairsrespectively., such as Ngde Xiamen, Zhuhai, such as Ngde Xiamen, Zhuhai Jiangmen. or thus, goods Jiangmen. or goods hled could not be furr subdivided; wehled regarded could not be furr subdivided; thus, we regarded m as a whole. y accounted for 64.8% m as a whole. y accounted for 64.8% 66.9% Taizhou Wenzhou, respectively, 88.2% 66.9% Taizhou Wenzhou, respectively, From 88.2% 80.8% Shenzhen with Zhanjiang, 80.8% Shenzhen Zhanjiang, respectively. spatial distribution, a similar respectively. From maly spatial distribution, withareas: a similar structure structure concentrated three areas around Bohai Bay, maly Yangtze concentrated three areas: areas around Bohai Bay, Yangtze River Delta, souast River Delta, souast coast Cha. Bohai Bay Yangtze River Delta contaed pairs coast Cha. Bohai Bay Yangtze River Delta contaed pairs that competed to that competed to supply coal, while souast coast Cha competed to supply supply coal, while souast coast Cha competed to supply meral buildg meral buildg materials. reasons for this phenomenon three areas not same. materials. reasons for this phenomenon three areas not same. Ports around Bohai Ports around Bohai Bay transported coal from Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia. Ports north Bay transported coal from Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia. Ports north Yangtze Yangtze River Delta transported coal from north Cha to areas along middle River Delta transported coal from north Cha to areas along middle upper reaches upper reaches River. Yangtze south Cha, Provce, especially Fujian Provce, is rich Yangtze southriver. Cha, especially Fujian is rich meral resources; meral resources; thus, most this area output meral buildg materials compete fiercely. thus, most this area output meral buildg materials compete fiercely. number number pairs competg to supply or goods was large re no obvious pairs competg to supply or goods was large re no obvious characteristics characteristics spatial agglomeration. spatial agglomeration. Ports around Bohai Bay. Port group Yangtze River Delta. Port group Pearl River Delta. Ports on souast coast Cha. Ports on southwest coast Cha. Figure 2. structure all port groups Figure 2. structure all port groups term complementary refers to pairs that have different cargo structures term refers to that have different cargo structures where re complementary are no competition concerns. Aspairs is shown Figure 2, with regard to where re are no competition concerns. As is shown Figure 2, with regard to structure, re 36 pairs complementary Cha s coastal area. Among m, similarity coefficients 11 pairs less than 0.1. lowest coefficient was Putian

6 Sustaability 2017, 9, structure, re 36 pairs complementary Cha s coastal area. Among m, Sustaability similarity2017, coefficients 11 pairs less than 0.1. lowest coefficient was , Putian Zhangzhou, which was so small that two can be considered completely complementary. re pairs for which similarity coefficient was lower than Zhangzhou, which was seven so small that two can be considered completely complementary. re seven for which Zhuhai, similarity coefficient lower than 0.05: 0.05: pairs Huizhou, Ngde was Putian, Zhongshan, Huizhou, Zhuhai, Putian, Zhongshan,se Haikou Basuo, Haikou Basuo, Ngde Shenzhen, Guangzhou. complementary Shenzhen, Guangzhou. sefunctions. complementary usually usually proment two different transportation For example, non-metallic proment two different transportation functions. For example, non-metallic ore oil for ore oil prcipal commodities for Huizhou, respectively, accountg prcipal commodities for Huizhou, respectively, accountg for respective proportions respective proportions 78.2% 60.0% all goods hled. ma cargo 78.2%was meral 60.0% buildg all goodsputian hled. ma cargo Ngde was meral Ngde material. maly transported coal. refore, each port had its buildg material. Putian maly transported coal. refore, each port had its own unique cargo own unique cargo re was a clear functional division. From Figure 2, it can be seen re was a clear functional division. From Figure 2, it can be seen that complementary that complementary maly distributed south Yangtze River, maly distributed south Yangtze River, especially concentrated especially concentrated region Pearl River Delta. re no pairs complementary region Pearl River Delta. re no pairs complementary north north Yangtze River. From this analysis, we concluded that for Yangtze River. From this analysis, we concluded that for structure Cha s coastal structure Cha s coastal, functional convergence was maly distributed norrn,, functional convergence was maly distributed norrn, especially those around especially those around Bohai Bay, while complementary maly located south Bohai Bay, while complementary maly located south Cha, especially Pearl Cha, Pearl River Delta. Riverespecially Delta Similarities Inbound Structure Adjacent Ports 3.2. Similarities Inbound Structure Adjacent Ports isisdecided decided economic dem hterls. ir hterls. bound boundstructure structure byby economic dem ir similarity similarity coefficient bound structure adjacent can reflect degree competition coefficient bound structure adjacent can reflect degree competition consumer market. are shown shown Figure Figure3 3(for (for detailed detailed results consumer market. calculated calculatedresults results are results seesee Table A2A2 Appendix Table AppendixA). A). Ports around Bohai Bay. Port group Yangtze River Delta. Port group Pearl River Delta. Ports on souast coast Cha. Ports on southwest coast Cha. Figure 3. bound structure all port groups Figure 3. bound structure all port groups re 46 pairs Cha s coastal area that found to have a similar bound structure. similarity coefficients half m larger than 0.9, three m

7 Sustaability 2017, 9, re 46 pairs Cha s coastal area that found to have a similar bound structure. similarity coefficients half m larger than 0.9, three m (Huanghua Tangshan, Taizhou Wenzhou, Huizhou Maomg) greater than competition consumer market was extremely tense among se. factors affectg level similarity varied geographically. hlg bound metal ore was ma cause similarity at around Bohai Bay. re eight pairs with a similarity coefficient larger than 0.85, prcipal cargo six m was metal ore. se Huanghua Tangshan, Huanghua Tianj, Qhuangdao Tangshan, Qgdao Rizhao, Qhuangdao Huanghua, Tangshan Tianj. Metal ore accounted for 77.8%, 75.8%, 56.1% all bound goods hled Tangshan, Huanghua, Rizhao, respectively. Coal or goods major contributors to similarities between Pearl River Delta. For, Dongguan, Jiangmen, re three pairwise combations. All three pairs had a similarity coefficient larger than reason for this was that puttg coal was ma transportation function se, it accounted for 90.0%, 53.7%, 57.5% all bound goods hled, respectively. At Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhanjiang, ma cargo was or goods, which accounted for 66.2%, 46.6%, 39.1% all bound goods hled, respectively. refore, three pairwise combations for se three showed a strong similarity, with similarity coefficients larger than hlg coal metal ore factors leadg to similarities Yangtze River Delta. Most this region maly put se two kds goods. At Zhenjiang Nantong, amount coal hled as a proportion all bound goods was 40.1% 27.9%, respectively, while correspondg figures for metal ore 26.3% 24.3%, respectively. competition was fierce both consumer markets. reason that fluencg factors different different regions was due to different geographic market dems. Spatially, with a similar bound structure maly concentrated Yangtze River Delta. re few with such similarities south Cha, especially Pearl River Delta. As shown Figure 3, re only 15 pairs Cha s coastal area that complementary with respect to bound structure. Among m, similarity coefficients four pairs (Yangjiang Zhongshan, Zhongshan Huizhou, Shenzhen, Zhongshan ) less than 0.1. smallest coefficient was 0.02, for Yangjiang Zhongshan. se two specialized transportation different cargoes. Yangjiang maly put coal metal ores, which toger accounted for 90.4% its total bound volume, while meral buildg materials was prcipal commodity at Zhongshan, accountg for 56.3% its bound volume. similarity coefficients Zhongshan, Shenzhen range At, coal accounted for 89.0% total bound volume. Zhongshan maly put meral buildg materials, while Shenzhen specialized or goods. se complement each or cargo transportation have developed harmoniously. With regard to bound structure, complementary concentrated Pearl River Delta. area around Bohai Bay southwest coastal area only had one pair complementary each. Overall, combed with above analysis, we found that for bound structure Cha s coastal, similarity level for norrn was higher than for sourn. Functional convergence was concentrated Yangtze River Delta, complementary maly located Pearl River Delta Comparison Inbound Outbound Structures between Port Groups Furr vestigation similarity level with a port group could reveal additional characteristics functional convergence. We calculated number pairs similar complementary average similarity coefficient for bound structures each port group. results are shown Table 1. From this table, a number characteristics apparent. First, terms cargo, most tense competition occurred between around Bohai Bay. This port group

8 Sustaability 2017, 9, had largest number pairs similar (15), no pairs complementary, highest similarity coefficient (0.90), which reflected coal transportation from three western districts Three Provces Region (Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region). Coal transportation is ma transportation function se. Second, area with most tense competition terms cargo bound was port group Yangtze River Delta. re 24 pairs similar this area, accountg for more than half total number, re no pairs complementary. Its similarity coefficient was up to 0.76, which was 0.17 higher than average. Coal metal ore goods leadg to similarity this area. Most this region put coal metal ore as ir ma transportation function. Third, similarity south Cha was generally lower than north. In or words, development sourn was more harmonious. port group Pearl River Delta was area with least overall similarity. It had second-smallest similarity coefficient for structure smallest similarity coefficient for bound structure. In addition, it had maximum number pairs complementary for both bound structure, accountg for 63.9% 80.0% total number respectively. This was consistent with Zhang [20], who reported a clear functional division Pearl River Delta, with more cooperation among than competition. Fally, bound similarity coefficient was larger than coefficient for each port group, except for around Bohai Bay. bound similarity coefficient for all coastal was 0.59, 0.08 more than that structure. This means bound competition was fiercer than competition for all coastal each port group. This is because resource endowments port hterls varied widely, but Chese provces quite similar ir dustrial structures [33]. As a result, each hterl had a range supply requirements, but similar dems for goods. Table 1. Comparison port similarity complementarity between port groups Port Group Similar (Outbound) Number Pairs Ports Complementary (Outbound) Similar (Inbound) Complementary (Inbound) Average Outbound Inbound Ports around Bohai Bay Port group Yangtze River Delta Ports on souast coast Cha Port group Pearl River Delta Ports on southwest coast Cha Total Hub Ports Cha Hub are core nodes port system. With a vast hterl, y have large throughput, occupy a high proportion global or regional system. In this way, y can affect operation shippg market domate spatial relations port system. Hub ten compete have deep hterls. Studyg similarity level hub is a meangful exercise. It is necessary to clarify exact defition hub port. For purposes this study, a hub port had to satisfy three requirements: first, it must have large throughput, i.e., a high rankg among all coastal ; second, it should be a regional transportation hub; third, each hub port should be located far from or hub, to ensure that y have different locational characteristics serve different direct economic hterls. Based on se criteria, re ne hub : Dalian, Tianj, Qgdao, Ngbo, Shanghai, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Shenzhen. y all have highest throughput play an important role regional port group.

9 Sustaability 2017, 9, similarity coefficients hub terms ir structure are shown Figure 4 (for detailed results see Table A3 Appendix A). average similarity coefficient structure was 0.78, 0.27 higher than that adjacent. refore, competition between Sustaability hub2017, 9, 2185 deep hterls was more tense than between adjacent. re pairs similar only two pairs complementary. In addition to Tianj, or 28 pairs similar only two pairs complementary. In addition to Tianj, or eight combed pairwise, givg total 28 pairs. All 28 pairs showed eight combed pairwise, givg a total 28 pairs. All 28 pairs showed strong similarities. Among m, Qgdao Ngbo had highest similarity coefficient strong similarities. Among m, Qgdao Ngbo had highest similarity coefficient Both maly output or goods, which accounted for 62.4% 59.6%, all goods Both maly output or goods, which accounted for 62.4% 59.6%, all goods hled, hled, respectively. respectively. second second largest largest cargo cargo for for two two was was metal metal ore. ore. similarity similarity coefficient coefficient Dalian Dalian Qgdao Qgdao was was 0.982, 0.982, rankg it second place. place. re re anor ten ten pairs pairs that that had had a a similarity coefficient larger than All hub hub, except except for for Tianj, Tianj, had had common common feature feature ir ir ma ma cargo beg or goods. Or goods, as as a aproportion all all goods goods hled, was highest Shenzhen, at 88.2%. This figure was wasmallest for for Shanghai, although actual value was still 53.3%. second largest cargo at atqgdao, Shanghai, Ngbo, Fuzhou was was metal ore, accountg for about 15% ir total bound volume. refore, hub hub competed for for supply supply or or goods goods deep deep hterls, hterls, although although Tianj Tianj was anwas obvious an exception. obvious exception. re wasre a significant was a significant difference difference between between structure structure Tianj Tianj or hub or. hub. top three top cargoes three cargoes coal, coal, oil, oil, steel, steel, which, which, toger, accounted for for 62.9% all all goods goods hled. hled. Thus, Thus, re re was was no similarity no similarity between between Tianj Tianj or or hub hub.. port activities port activities Tianj Tianj complementary complementary to those to those Shenzhen Shenzhen Xiamen. Xiamen. similarity coefficients similarity coefficients , 0.12 respectively. 0.14, respectively. Figure Figure (left) bound (right) structure hub hub average similarity coefficient hub bound structurewas was0.71, 0.71, higher higher than than that that adjacent.. Accordg to above analysis structure, similarity between between hub hub was was higher higher competition was more tensethan thanthat that adjacent adjacent,, both both bound bound structure. structure. Unlike adjacent,, structure structure hub hub was was more more similar similar than than bound bound structure. structure. re re pairs pairs similar similar no no pairs pairs complementary. Dalian Shenzhen had largest similarity coefficient Or complementary. Dalian Shenzhen had largest similarity coefficient Or goods goods was ma cargo category for two, accountg for 63.6% 66.2% total was ma cargo category for two, accountg for 63.6% 66.2% total bound bound volume. Xiamen Guangzhou, Shanghai Guangzhou, Shenzhen Guangzhou, volume. Xiamen Guangzhou, Shanghai Guangzhou, Shenzhen Guangzhou, Shanghai Shanghai Xiamen, Dalian Guangzhou also had similarity coefficients higher than 0.9. Xiamen, Dalian Guangzhou also had similarity coefficients higher than 0.9. After calculatg After calculatg number similar for each port, we discovered that Shanghai was similar to number six hub, similar reby rankg for each it port, first, we followed discovered by Xiamen. that Shanghai Tianj was had similar lowest to six number hub, reby similar rankg hub, it first, with followed Qgdao beg by Xiamen. only Tianj similar had port. lowest similarity number coefficient similar was hub, with Qgdao ma cargo beg was metal only ore. similar refore, port. Tianj similarity had least coefficient similarity was to or hub ma both cargo bound structure.

10 Sustaability 2017, 9, was metal ore. refore, Tianj had least similarity to or hub both bound structure. 5. Discussion reasons for structural similarity as follows. First, dustrial structure convergence determes similarity market dem a port s hterl, this was ma reason for high similarity bound cargo. As shown Table 2, average similarity coefficient coastal provces has been greater than 0.6 sce After a slight decrease from 2003 to 2008, it grew aga to reach Correspondgly, bound cargo similarity coefficient showed an creasg trend, from to Second, because Cha s port management system is decentralized to a basic level, local government is an important factor competition between. All pursue eir large all-clusive or small all-clusive cargo structures. Local governments have attempted to exp scale ir to develop comprehensive to promote market competitiveness obta market share. refore, pursuit local terests competition between has led to a similarity cargo structure. re are many or factors related to port structure convergence, how to identify m accurately analyze ir relationship are terestg topics for future study. Table 2. Average similarity coefficients dustrial structure cargo structure. Year Industrial Structure Coastal Provces Inbound Structure Ports Outbound Structure Ports Investigatg time series data is helpful to underst evolution Chese port system. It can be seen from Table 2 that, over time, average similarity coefficients bound structure both displayed an creasg trend. It means that functional convergence between has become more serious transportation function division port system is becomg less clear. As mentioned above, this is closely related to dustrial structure local government decisions. functional structure Chese port system needs to be furr improved. Strengng cooperation between is an effective evitable option to alleviate convergence functional structure. For this reason, followg measures should be taken. First, we should optimize coordation mechanisms between establish negotiation mechanisms for competition cooperation with port groups. Second, cooperation between should be based on rational divisions. refore, we need to subdivide market hterls type goods hled by each port, clearly assign ir status functions. Each port should undertake different transportation functions accordg to its own characteristics foundation. Third, process port formatization networkg should be accelerated. Through above measures, coastal can achieve a w-w situation Chese port system will achieve healthy development. It has been noted that we cannot make a negative value judgment about functional structure convergence without furr distction [34]. Under certa circumstances, this is considered reasonable. To judge wher this is reasonable or not, we should consider similarity hterl s dustrial structure existg frastructure. If this adapts to economic needs hterl port throughput capacity, n a high level similarity is acceptable. specific criteria for this judgment are also an important issues for future studies. This paper

11 Sustaability 2017, 9, exames similarity cargo structure coastal provides perspective to underst evolution Chese port system. 6. Conclusions transportation function is an important research focus port geography. In this study, we vestigated similarity adjacent hub from perspective cargo structure. ma conclusions can be summarized as follows: (1) re many adjacent that had a similar cargo structure phenomenon functional convergence between se was serious. For structure, typical pairs similar Qhuangdao Huanghua, Taizhou Wenzhou, Shenzhen Zhanjiang, Zhongshan Jiangmen, Dalian Ygkou. For bound structure, most serious regions functional convergence Huanghua Tangshan, Taizhou Wenzhou, Huizhou Maomg. Each pair similar hled same ma cargoes re was no significant difference proportions hled. (2) From spatial distribution, around Bohai Bay most serious region functional convergence terms cargo. This reflected coal transportation from three western districts Three Provces Region. In terms bound structure, functional convergence port group Yangtze River Delta was most serious. similarity South Cha was lower than north. port group Pearl River Delta had least similarity, re is a clear functional division, with more cooperation among than competition. (3) major contributors to similarity different regions varied geographically due to different market dems. In terms bound structure, metal ore was ma cause similarity around Bohai Bay. Coal metal ore leadg factors determg similarity area Yangtze River Delta. Coal or goods ma contributors area Pearl River Delta. (4) For adjacent, similarity coefficient bound structure was larger than. This was because resource endowments port hterls vary widely, but dustrial structures provces Cha are quite similar. similarity resource endowments hterl is smaller than that dustrial structure. functional convergence between hub was more serious than between adjacent, terms both bound structure. Tianj had least similarity with or hub. ma cargo hub was or goods. (5) Over time, average similarity coefficients bound structure both displayed an creasg trend. transportation function division port system is becomg less clear. Industrial structure convergence local government policy ma reasons for structural similarity. In terms policy-makg, state should strengn macro-control create a port group development plan. In this strategic plan, functional positiong each port should be clear, for local government, local protectionism must be elimated. Each port should form its own characteristics realize a double w by dislocation development accordance with market dem. This study showed functional convergence adjacent hub Cha. How to identify all factors related to port structure convergence how to determe specific criteria for judgg an unreasonable similarity are terestg topics for future studies. Acknowledgments: This work has been fancially supported by National Natural Science Foundation Cha ( , ) a Category Strategic Priority Research Program CAS (Evaluation Connectivity Infrastructure Network Spatial Optimization). authors are very grateful to have paper manuscript reviewed by journal editors reviewers.

12 Sustaability 2017, 9, Author Contributions: Wei Wang designed research, analyzed data, wrote revised paper. Chengj Wang Fengjun J supervised whole process revised paper. All authors have read approved fal manuscript. Conflicts Interest: authors declare no conflict terest. Appendix A Table A1. coefficient structure all port groups Port Group Ports around Bohai Bay Port group Yangtze River Delta Ports on souast coast Cha A Pair Ports Port Group A Pair Ports Qhuangdao Huanghua Shenzhen Zhanjiang Dalian Ygkou Zhongshan Jiangmen Qhuangdao Tangshan Guangzhou Zhanjiang Yantai Weihai Shenzhen Guangzhou Huanghua Tangshan Zhuhai Jiangmen Dong Ygkou Zhongshan Zhuhai Weihai Qgdao Zhuhai Yangjiang Yantai Qgdao Huizhou Maomg Dong Dalian Yangjiang Maomg Dong Jzhou Jiangmen Yangjiang Tangshan Tianj Shenzhen Jiangmen Dalian Jzhou Huizhou Dongguan Ygkou Jzhou Guangzhou Yangjiang Qhuangdao Tianj Huizhou Jiangmen Huanghua Tianj Dongguan Yangjiang Taizhou Wenzhou Shanghai Ngbo Port group Pearl River Delta Shantou Huizhou Huizhou Zhongshan Zhenjiang Nantong Shantou Zhuhai Jiangy Yangzhou Dongguan Zhongshan Jiaxg Yangzhou Shantou Jiangmen Ngbo Wenzhou Dongguan Jiangmen Jiaxg Jiangy Yangjiang Zhanjiang Ngbo Taizhou Dongguan Zhanjiang Shanghai Taizhou Shantou Nantong Yangzhou Shenzhen Yangjiang Jiaxg Nantong Shenzhen Dongguan Ngbo Jiangy Jiangmen Jiaxg Taizhou Dongguan Jiaxg Wenzhou Guangzhou Quanzhou Xiamen Shenzhen Ngde Zhangzhou Zhongshan Fuzhou Quanzhou Zhuhai Fuzhou Xiamen Huizhou Putian Xiamen Ports on Yangpu Basuo Fuzhou Zhangzhou southwest coast Beihai Fangchenggang Putian Quanzhou Cha Haikou Basuo Ngde Quanzhou Quanzhou Zhangzhou Ngde Putian Putian Zhangzhou Table A2. coefficient bound structure all port groups Port Group Ports around Bohai Bay A Pair Ports Port Group A pair Ports Huanghua Tangshan Fuzhou Ngde Ports on souast Ygkou Jzhou Putian Quanzhou coast Cha Dalian Ygkou Zhangzhou Xiamen Huanghua Tianj Huizhou Maomg Qhuangdao Tangshan Dongguan Qgdao Rizhao Dongguan Jiangmen Qhuangdao Huanghua Shantou Zhuhai Port group Pearl Tangshan Tianj Jiangmen River Delta Dalian Jzhou Shenzhen Guangzhou Qhuangdao Tianj Guangzhou Zhanjiang Yantai Weihai Shenzhen Zhanjiang Weihai Rizhao Guangzhou Huizhou

13 Sustaability 2017, 9, Table A2. Cont. Port Group Port group Yangtze River Delta A Pair Ports Port Group A pair Ports Taizhou Wenzhou Shenzhen Huizhou Zhenjiang Nantong Zhongshan Dongguan Nanjg Zhenjiang Dongguan Shenzhen Nanjg Nantong Maomg Yangjiang Zhenjiang Jiangy Jiangmen Zhongshan Nanjg Suzhou Maomg Zhongshan Jiaxg Yangzhou Yangjiang Shenzhen Zhenjiang Suzhou Zhongshan Suzhou Nantong Shenzhen Nanjg Jiangy Zhongshan Huizhou Jiangy Yangzhou Yangjiang Zhongshan Jiaxg Jiangy Ports on southwest Beihai Fangchenggang Ngbo Nanjg coast Cha Basuo Haikou Shanghai Ngbo Zhenjiang Yangzhou Nantong Jiangy Suzhou Jiangy Ngbo Suzhou Zhoushan Nantong Nanjg Yangzhou Shanghai Suzhou Jiaxg Zhenjiang Nantong Yangzhou Ngbo Zhoushan Table A3. coefficient bound structure hub Outbound A Pair Ports A Pair Ports Qgdao Ngbo Dalian Shenzhen Dalian Qgdao Xiamen Guangzhou Dalian Shenzhen Shanghai Guangzhou Ngbo Fuzhou Shenzhen Guangzhou Shanghai Guangzhou Shanghai Xiamen Dalian Guangzhou Dalian Guangzhou Dalian Ngbo Shanghai Ngbo Shenzhen Guangzhou Xiamen Shenzhen Inbound Qgdao Shanghai Dalian Xiamen Shanghai Ngbo Tianj Qgdao Qgdao Shenzhen Ngbo Fuzhou Qgdao Fuzhou Dalian Shanghai Qgdao Guangzhou Shanghai Fuzhou Dalian Shanghai Ngbo Xiamen Shanghai Fuzhou Shanghai Shenzhen Ngbo Shenzhen Qgdao Ngbo Ngbo Guangzhou Shanghai Shenzhen Xiamen Shenzhen Xiamen Guangzhou Dalian Xiamen Dalian Fuzhou Fuzhou Shenzhen Ngbo Xiamen Qgdao Xiamen Fuzhou Xiamen Fuzhou Guangzhou Shanghai Xiamen Tianj Xiamen Tianj Shenzhen

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