The functioning of the network and its structure
involve complex interaction between the maritime and
port industry, and also the country and international
organizations acting as governing and regulating bodies.
Decisions made by these actors will subsequently also
influence the cost of transport for a country or region
in trade with its counterparts. Figure 3.4 (section C.3)
exemplifies the reduction in freight rates with increasing
connectivity, where connectivity is an expression of
shipping possibilities, port infrastructure endowment
and industry structure (for a detailed discussion, see
Wilmsmeier and Hoffmann, 2008; and Wilmsmeier,
2014).