Analysis of the global shipping finance industry in 2006 and 2019: a spatial distribution perspective and its factors

This study analysed the spatial characteristics and hierarchical structure of the shipping finance industry at national city scales and the global network status of cities using the chain network model. Analysis was conducted using data collected from Lloyd's Maritime Directory of Maritime Enterprises in 2006 and 2019. The results show that even with the global shipping finance industry showing rapid growth, the UK and the USA are still the main hubs. The network distribution is stable, and companies are more inclined toward a group-style production and operation model. London is the main hub of the shipping finance industry. Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo have coined the 'Iron Triangle' for shipping finance in Asia. Shipping finance shows significance at a dynamic mechanism level. Research on distribution characteristics and influencing factors of distribution also provide a path and theoretical support for cities that are developing shipping finance and constructing international shipping centres.