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Minimizing cost of empty container repositioning in port hinterlands, while taking repair operations into account

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  • Hjortnaes, T.
  • Wiegmans, B.
  • Negenborn, R.R.
  • Zuidwijk, R.A.
  • Klijnhout, R.

Abstract

Shipping companies are striving to optimize their empty container repositioning strategies which also contribute to reduced congestion and environmental improvements. In this paper we propose a multi-commodity model that makes an explicit distinction between flows of non-damaged containers, on the one hand, and flows of damaged containers, on the other. The model is tailored for the repositioning of these containers in the representative setting of a network of off-dock empty depots, ocean terminals, and inland terminals. In our case study, cost savings of up to 17% are found, depending on the composition of the network, container type, and particular evacuation and repositioning strategy. In particular, directly transporting containers from inland terminals to other inland terminals (direct repositioning) results in cost savings of up to 15% for dry containers and up to 17% for reefer containers. Furthermore, the total costs might be optimized by actually preventing the container failure from occurring possibly leading to considerable additional cost reductions. Finally, exporting damaged containers might seem to be the optimal solution from a regional cost perspective, but, this does not necessarily lead to total cost optimization from the global perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Hjortnaes, T. & Wiegmans, B. & Negenborn, R.R. & Zuidwijk, R.A. & Klijnhout, R., 2017. "Minimizing cost of empty container repositioning in port hinterlands, while taking repair operations into account," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 209-219.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:58:y:2017:i:c:p:209-219
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2016.12.015
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    3. Zirui Liang & Ryuichi Shibasaki & Yuji Hoshino, 2021. "Do Foldable Containers Enhance Efficient Empty Container Repositioning under Demand Fluctuation?—Case of the Pacific Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-24, April.
    4. Wiercx, Max & van Kalmthout, Martijn & Wiegmans, Bart, 2019. "Inland waterway terminal yard configuration contributing to sustainability: Modeling yard operations," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 4-16.
    5. Yu, Mingzhu & Fransoo, Jan C. & Lee, Chung-Yee, 2018. "Detention decisions for empty containers in the hinterland transportation system," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 188-208.
    6. Niclas Hoffmann & Robert Stahlbock & Stefan Voß, 2020. "A decision model on the repair and maintenance of shipping containers," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 5(1), pages 1-21, December.
    7. Sung-Ho Shin & Oh Kyoung Kwon & Xiao Ruan & Prem Chhetri & Paul Tae-Woo Lee & Shahrooz Shahparvari, 2018. "Analyzing Sustainability Literature in Maritime Studies with Text Mining," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-19, September.
    8. Adil Baykasoğlu & Nurhan Dudaklı & Kemal Subulan & A. Serdar Taşan, 2022. "An integrated fleet planning model with empty vehicle repositioning for an intermodal transportation system," Operational Research, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 2063-2098, July.
    9. Yang, Ruina & Yu, Mingzhu & Lee, Chung-Yee & Du, Yuquan, 2021. "Contracting in ocean transportation with empty container repositioning under asymmetric information," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
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    11. Guerrero, David & Thill, Jean-Claude, 2021. "Challenging the shipper's location problem in port studies: An analysis of French AOC wine shipments to the US," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).

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