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Optimal sequence of container ships in a string

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  • Wang, Shuaian

Abstract

Container ships in a string may not have the same capacity. Therefore, the sequence of ships affects the number of containers that are delayed at export ports due to demand uncertainty, for instance, “a large ship, followed by a small ship, then another large ship, and finally another small ship” is better than “a large ship, followed by another large ship, then a small ship, and finally another small ship”. We hence aim to determine the sequence of the ships in a string to minimize the delay of containers, without requiring the probability distribution functions for the future demand. We propose three rules to identify an optimal or near-optimal string. The rules have been proved to be effective based on extensive numerical experiments. A rough estimation indicates that over 6 million dollars/year could be saved for all liner services in the world by optimizing the sequences of ships.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Shuaian, 2015. "Optimal sequence of container ships in a string," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 246(3), pages 850-857.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:246:y:2015:i:3:p:850-857
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2015.05.058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. 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.
    4. Yang, Dong & Pan, Kai & Wang, Shuaian, 2018. "On service network improvement for shipping lines under the one belt one road initiative of China," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 82-95.
    5. 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. ManWo Ng & Wayne K. Talley, 2017. "Chassis inventory management at U.S. container ports:modelling and case study," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(18), pages 5394-5404, September.

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