The economic regulation of ocean liner shipping in a newly industrializing country--a survey of alternative regulatory modes and policy considerations concerning Taiwan's liner industry

This study suggests pragmatic policy guidelines and measures in an effort to help Taiwan reconstruct an obsolete regulatory framework for ocean liner shipping. Taiwan has established in recent years a sizable national liner fleet that increasingly engages in crosstrade activities. As a leading newly industrializing country, Taiwan also relies heavily on foreign liner carriers to transport 90% of its exports to overseas markets. Exports now make up about 55% of Taiwan's gross national product. Therefore, a sound regulatory framework would not only enhance ROC liner shipping, but also would protect Taiwanese shippers from monopolistic exploitation by strong foreign carriers.Part I of this dissertation describes the development of world ocean shipping, and explores the features of the liner industry. Part II examines several regulatory formulas, selected from a large variety of different national shipping policies, that can provide ROC policy makers with useful information and academic insight on foreign regulatory practices. Part III reviews the development of Taiwan's shipping industry, identifies issues and problems arising from ROC shipping regulations, and suggests necessary adjustments to the present ROC regulatory framework.The dissertation represents perhaps the first comprehensive investigation of different liner regimes that especially emphasizes NIC concerns. Several observations herein may enlighten NIC policy makers in formulating national liner shipping policies. First, large-scale operations are essential to the international competitiveness of national shipping lines. Second, protectionist policies in the form of non-market cargo allocations do not benefit the NIC's in the long run. Third, governments must ultimately assume the responsibility of protecting shipper interests, and of securing fair trade among carriers flying different flags.