The Policy Potential of Monitoring Market Proximal Maritime Connectivity Over Time: The Case of Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract A country’s maritime connectivity is integral to its international trade and regional economic growth. Advancements in technology and complex network theory have elevated maritime connectivity in regional transport policy agendas. This study introduces a novel conceptualisation of the maritime network called the market proximal network which better highlights connectivity concerns and opportunities that leverage a country’s current market position. By implementing a temporal view (using Time-Granularity Graphs) of the market proximal network, connectivity trends can be appreciated. The policy value of this approach is illustrated by the case of Aotearoa New Zealand, a maritime connectivity taker , between January 2018 and June 2021. Five maritime connectivity priorities are identified regarding the country’s gateways onto the major maritime highways. The potential policy value of the temporal view of the market proximal network is illustrated by identifying priorities that are actionable because they are based on the existing business cases that draw shipping companies to call in Aotearoa New Zealand.