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Vessel scheduling in liner shipping: a critical literature review and future research needs

Author

Listed:
  • Maxim A. Dulebenets

    (Florida A&M University-Florida State University)

  • Junayed Pasha

    (Florida A&M University-Florida State University)

  • Olumide F. Abioye

    (Florida A&M University-Florida State University)

  • Masoud Kavoosi

    (Florida A&M University-Florida State University)

Abstract

Liner shipping plays a major role for freight transportation and international seaborne trade. The economic development of different countries is significantly dependent on the movement of a containerized cargo. One of the most challenging decision problems, tackled by liner shipping companies, is the design of vessel schedules. At the vessel scheduling stage, the liner shipping company aims to determine vessel sailing speeds at voyage legs of a given liner shipping route, port times, vessel handling rates at ports, the minimum number of vessels required in order to provide the agreed service frequency at ports, and other factors. Considering the existing pollution levels, the environmental impacts of liner shipping have to be captured in the vessel scheduling models as well. This study conducts a comprehensive survey of the existing research on vessel scheduling in liner shipping. The collected vessel scheduling studies are classified into different categories, including general vessel scheduling, uncertainty in liner shipping operations, collaborative agreements, vessel schedule recovery, and green liner shipping. Based on a detailed analysis of the collected literature, findings are discussed, and limitations in the state-of-the-art are identified for each category of studies. The study concludes with a number of future research opportunities, taking into account the recent developments and trends in liner shipping.

Suggested Citation

  • Maxim A. Dulebenets & Junayed Pasha & Olumide F. Abioye & Masoud Kavoosi, 2021. "Vessel scheduling in liner shipping: a critical literature review and future research needs," Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal, Springer, vol. 33(1), pages 43-106, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:flsman:v:33:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s10696-019-09367-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10696-019-09367-2
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    4. Ksciuk, Jana & Kuhlemann, Stefan & Tierney, Kevin & Koberstein, Achim, 2023. "Uncertainty in maritime ship routing and scheduling: A Literature review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 308(2), pages 499-524.
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    7. Saša Aksentijević & Edvard Tijan & Nexhat Kapidani & Dražen Žgaljić, 2022. "Dynamic Smart Numbering of Modular Cargo Containers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-24, July.
    8. Dalila B. M. M. Fontes & S. Mahdi Homayouni, 2023. "A bi-objective multi-population biased random key genetic algorithm for joint scheduling quay cranes and speed adjustable vehicles in container terminals," Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal, Springer, vol. 35(1), pages 241-268, March.

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