Port rank-size rule evolution: Case study of Chinese coastal ports

Orderly operations are essential for ports to gain a winning edge amid the fierce competition. The evolution law of port clusters embodies the development orderliness and rationality of source allocation of port system, which have always been concerned by port authorities and port operators. This paper applies the rank-size rule and uses the cargo and container throughputs of major coastal ports in China from 2001 to 2018 as indicators, proving that three-parameter Zipf's model can effectively describe the rank-size distribution of China's major coastal port systems. Studies have shown that the current size distribution of major coastal ports in China is relatively stable, with cargo throughput tending to be decentralized while container throughput tending to be centralized. Meanwhile, the throughput growth pattern of major coastal ports in China shows different spatial characteristics. In addition, macroeconomics, technological innovation, and policies all have a huge impact on the rank-size distribution and evolution of major coastal ports in China. The results of this paper are conducive to port enterprises to better understand port status and to formulate appropriate development plans. The results also provide reference for government departments to formulate port plans at all levels and promulgate administration policies. [Display omitted] •The three-parameter Zipf's law is employed to study ports rank-size evolution.•A case study of main coastal ports of China is developed.•The factors affecting rank-size evolution characteristics are explored.•The research results provide decision-making basis for stakeholders.