The Liner Shipping Bilateral Connectivity Index (LSBCI) provides a comprehensive measure of maritime connectivity between pairs of countries, capturing their level of integration into global liner shipping networks. This index is an advancement of UNCTAD’s original Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI), developed to reflect connectivity specifically between two nations. By measuring bilateral connections, the LSBCI offers valuable insights into the efficiency and accessibility of global maritime trade routes.

Data Source

This data is sourced from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), specifically from the Division on Technology and Logistics and the Division on International Trade in Goods and Services and Commodities. The index is developed using data from MDS Transmodal, a well-regarded entity in transport intelligence (MDS Transmodal).

Significance of Liner Connectivity in Trade

Transport connectivity, particularly in maritime networks, is essential for facilitating exports between countries. The LSBCI reflects the ease with which goods can be moved along liner shipping routes, offering a valuable indicator for bilateral trade potential. Higher connectivity in the LSBCI often correlates with smoother, more efficient trade exchanges.

Components of the LSBCI

The LSBCI calculation includes five crucial components, each of which contributes to the overall score:

1. Transshipment Requirements: Measures the number of transshipments needed to move goods from Country A to Country B.
2. Direct Connections: Evaluates the number of direct shipping routes shared between Country A and Country B.
3. One-Transshipment Connections: Counts the number of common connections with one transshipment between the country pair.
4. Service Competition: Analyzes the competition level among services that link Country A and Country B, with higher competition often leading to more efficient and cost-effective options.
5. Ship Size on Weakest Route: Considers the size of the largest vessel operating on the least-connected route between Country A and Country B, indicating capacity limitations.

The details regarding the calculation and normalization methodologies are found in UNCTAD’s datahub.

The LSBCI serves as a critical indicator of connectivity in the maritime sector, shedding light on the infrastructure, competition, and efficiency levels between countries and supporting trade optimization on a global scale.

How to Use the Visual:

1. Sort Values based on Countries: Hover your mouse to a country name (either in the country row or along the country columns) and hit the “sort” icon that appears. It will sort the values from highest to lowest based on the country (hit it again, it will sort it from lowest to highest).
2. Color Interpretation: Darker shades represent higher connectivity (closer to 1), while lighter shades indicate weaker links.
3. Hover for Details: Hover over a connection to see specific scores and component breakdowns.

Interpretation: Higher LSBCI scores signify more efficient, direct connections, facilitating smoother trade exchanges, while lower scores suggest possible challenges due to indirect routes or limited service options. This tool can guide decisions on strengthening maritime routes for better trade flow.

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