Abstract: This paper firstly introduces a "four rings" research framework of global container port system, which is proposed by Professor Shouyang Wang in 2009. In empirical studies, the Pearl River Delta ports, as the "one ring" port system in the "four rings" research framework of global container port system, is used as an illustration. Empirical studies show that the "four rings" research framework, based on the economic and trade, geographical multi-dimensional analysis, provides an effective analytical framework to understand and generalize the attributes, matching patterns and evolution paths of container port system of PRD region in China. Accordingly, the key quantitative indicators affecting its container cargo demand, could be effectively identified. By matching the key quantitative indicators with the specific methods and technologies of TEI@I methodology, an integrated forecasting model for specific container port system analysis is constructed. The theoretical and empirical studies indicate that the proposed "four rings" research framework of global container port system provides the research paradigm for the complex world's major container ports system.

Key words: “four rings”research framework, TEI@I methodology, system engineering, system analysis methodology, global container port system