This study investigated the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the Asian-Australasian cruise shipping network. The analysis was carried out using complex network analysis and data collected for two periods, before and after the pandemic outbreak. The analysis revealed that the network structure and properties have changed after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, the network's density and the number of links have increased, but its scale-free property remains with the degree distribution follows the power law. The network has a higher connectivity efficiency with a smaller average path length and a higher clustering coefficient. Its hub ports still maintain an extensive connection. The network's flow efficiency becomes higher and connectivity stronger after the pandemic. The role of cruise ports has changed as indicated by the degree, betweenness, closeness and eigenvector centralities. The study’s findings indicate that the cruise shipping sector could further enhance efficiency and identify strategies to assist the management in similar circumstances.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	cruise shipping network, coronavirus, network change, complex network analysis, cruise operations, Asia and Australasia, statistical properties, transportation networks maritime transport, tourism
Research Division:	Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services
Research Group:	Transportation, logistics and supply chains
Research Field:	Maritime transportation and freight services
Objective Division:	Economic Framework
Objective Group:	Management and productivity
Objective Field:	Industrial relations
UTAS Author:	Kanrak, M (Miss Maneerat Kanrak)
UTAS Author:	Nguyen, H-O (Associate Professor Oanh Nguyen)
UTAS Author:	Du, Y (Dr Bill Du)
ID Code:	150112
Year Published:	2022
Deposited By:	Maritime and Logistics Management
Deposited On:	2022-05-24
Last Modified:	2023-01-23
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