Optimizing Empty Containers Distribution among Ports

Abstract

Problem statement: Empty containers are an essential part of the logistics of the movement, repositioning and distribution of containers. Optimizing the allocation and transportation of empty containers contributes significantly in reducing cost. Approach: A mathematical model is formulated with the objective of finding an optimal sequence of ships movement among ports in order to satisfy demands at the ports with minimum total cost. Results: Several numerical examples are used to compare the performance of the developed optimization model with well known standard models available in the literature. Conclusion/Recommendation: It was observed that the solution obtained by the developed method to be either as good as or better than the solution provided by other standard models. Future work should consider contribution of full containers in meeting demand for empty containers.

An Overview of Empty Container Repositioning Studies and Research Opportunities

“…Researches in the literature have usually examined the problem of ECR in terms of finding the optimum empty container distribution plan (Hajeeh & Behbehani 2011). Some studies have taken into account that shipping companies use third-party vessel operators to transport their empty containers, whereas some focused on the problem through the assumptions that shipping companies have their own vessels by considering vessel capacity as the full and empty containers are carried together.…”