The structure of competitiveness between hub ports in the multipolar Northeast Asian system will determine which ports achieve regional gateway status. A survey instrument to assess 21 measurement items generated 203 responses from Shanghai, Hong Kong and Busan. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a valid and reliable competitiveness construct underpinning 19 measurement scales and a four-factor model incorporating availability, operational efficiency, port costs and service quality. Differences in factor importance revealed that success as a regional gateway port depends on a port area developing strategically into a multi-functional business centre. The model offers a management tool to guide future port improvement.

Maritime shipping is considered a major air pollutant that directly affects global warming and climate change. This study aims to design an emission control route (ECR) that can contribute to long-term initiatives along with emission prevention policies. Applying a scenario analysis, this paper has analyzed the impact of ECR implementation on air quality in the shipping route between Korea and Japan. In this study, the ECR is defined as eco-friendly shipping routes that recommend maintaining a specific level of speed while sailing. Based on the navigation trajectories of 55 O/Ds, which were extracted by the automatic identification system (AIS) data of 135 container ships for each port call during one year, the ECR domains were designated. To analyze the introduction impacts, this study employed a scenario analysis based on the current Vessel Speed Reduction Program (VSRP) recommendation of 12 knots or less. The results demonstrated that the introduction of ECR in the liner services between Korea and Japan would increase the average travel time by 10.47–16.98%. However, according to the results of the scenario analysis, the introduction of the ECR can reduce emissions by 25.65% to 39.73%. By suggesting the initial concept of ECR and analyzing the emission reduction effects of its implementation, this study provides useful insights for a balance between economic and environmental performance.