Essays on Innovation, Strategic Alliances, and Disruption in the Global Container Shipping Industry

Abstract

This dissertation explores the dynamics of innovation, strategic alliances, and disruption in the global container shipping industry through three essays. The first chapter examines how innovation in vessel size affect market structure and welfare, highlighting a trade-off between cost efficiency and concentration. The second investigates the formation and stability of global shipping alliances, quantifying the gains from global fleet reallocation and the risks of enhanced market power. The third estimates importer demand for speed and reliability in freight transport during supply chain disruptions, revealing a significant willingness to pay for transit speed and predictability. Together, these essays provide new insights into the evolving dynamics of container shipping and offer policy guidance on innovation, competition, and resilience.