The Role of Shipping Alliances in the Development of Maritime Trade Between China and EU Countries in the 21st Century

Maritime trade is the most important part of the modern economy of the globalised world. Millions of tons of goods are transported across the oceans around the world every day, and any changes in this industry have a direct impact on the lives of ordinary people and entire states. One of the most notable developments in the maritime industry over the past two decades has been the formation of alliances among shipping companies. The changes that have taken place in world trade as a result of this event have yet to be fully explored by researchers. This study aims to assess the role of shipping alliances of liner carriers in the development of maritime trade on one of the most busy trade routes — the route between the European Union and China. To achieve this goal, the following research tasks were performed: the prerequisites for the formation of a modern alliance system have been identified; the factors motivating carriers to join shipping alliances have been studied; the main stages of the market consolidation process between the alliances have been outlined, the interrelationships of the transportation market and the economy of ports have been revealed; the main trends in freight rates and their impact on trade relations between the European Union and China have also been identified. This research was based on both comparative and statistical data analysis methods. The first chapter of the work examines the general reasons for the transition from a system of linear conferences to a shipping alliances system. The second chapter analyses the concrete changes in the maritime trade industry associated with the emergence of alliances.