Research on port integration efficiency improvement path based on competition and cooperation game

In the context of port integration initiated in recent years in China, this study considers port integration degree, handling capacity and inter-port difference to formulate models before port integration and after port integration with a view of further improving the integration efficiency between ports. The equilibrium solutions under two scenarios were obtained based on the game theory, and changes in profitability, competitiveness and regional social welfare of ports before and after integration were compared. The study shows: 1. If the handling capacities and differences of the ports are held constant, inter-port integration increases group profitability but decreases the social welfare of the region. 2. With integration degree being certain, the differential degree between ports within port group increases, which further increases the integration efficiency of ports. 3. With the differential degree of ports within a group being constant, adjusting handling capacity of each port to symmetrical increases both port-integration profitability and social welfare.