A Network Design Optimization Problem for Ro-Ro Freight Transport in the Tyrrhenian Area

Abstract

Roll-on Roll-of (Ro-Ro) transport is one of the primary options EU policy is focusing on for developing intermodal transport and MOS initiatives, aimed at reducing road transport (especially trucks). In line with EU guidelines, this study proposes an integrated and optimized network scheme for the maritime Ro-Ro freight services currently operating in the Italian Tyrrhenian area to improve the overall supply of shipping services. The methodological approach used is based on the integration of the timetables and frequencies of existing freight shipping services using an original mathematical model that assigns demand flows to the network while trying to minimize a multi-objective function composed of a weighted sum of travel times and tariffs. Quantitative results show the positive impact generated by rescheduling and coordinating liner shipping and demonstrate how a 'Tyrrhenian network system' considered as a whole would be more attractive than the single services taken collectively.

Towards the IMO’s GHG Goals: A Critical Overview of the Perspectives and Challenges of the Main Options for Decarbonizing International Shipping

“…The paper by Reference [95] analyzes more than 50 studies published from 2004 to 2015 in the fields of environmental sustainability, decision support systems and multi-objective optimization in maritime shipping. Most of the available studies propose mathematical models or computerized simulation for optimizing specific maritime operations: Among the others, fleet deployment [96,97], berth allocation [98], scheduling optimization and vessels routing [99][100][101]. A low-level operational problem regarding the optimization of vessel speeds and fleet size in response to ECA regulations is discussed in Reference [102].…”

Decision-Making for Maritime Networks: Evaluating Corporate and Social Profitability of an Integrated Short Sea Shipping Network in the Upper Tyrrhenian Sea

“…A mixed-integer linear programming model was used to determine the optimal allocation of the demand flows on the network while trying to minimize a multi-objective function composed of a weighted sum of travel times and tariffs. For more details on the analytical formulation of the model, the interested reader can refer to [ 3 ]. The model was used to reschedule and coordinate existing services and allowed to determine an optimized network option characterized by lower waiting and travel times than the existing configuration.…”

“…The purpose of the project was to develop intermodal transport in the high-Tyrrhenian area to improve the accessibility of island regions while providing an essential contribution to how existing Ro-Ro shipping services could be streamlined to render them more competitive. The project originated from the analysis of the existing maritime Ro-Ro freight transport system in the area, which revealed the lack of any distinctive pattern for which the available liner services could be considered as a proper maritime network [ 3 ]. The various available routes seem to be conceived singularly and sized mainly based on competition struggles between shipping companies rather than to satisfy demand requirements.…”

Short Sea Shipping as a Sustainable Modal Alternative: Qualitative and Quantitative Perspectives

“…SSS has been proposed as an alternative to truck haulage when water transport is feasible [9]. In the European Union (EU), SSS has demonstrated numerous advantages compared to the road haulage model; notably, improved highway congestion and cost reduction have been touted as the most significant benefits of this modal shift [10]. The United States Department of Transportation and the European Commission aggressively support SSS as an acceptable alternative, environmentally friendly mode of transportation [11,12].…”