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Empty container repositioning with foldable containers in a river transport network considering the limitations of bridge heights

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  • Zhang, Ruiyou
  • Huang, Chao
  • Feng, Xuehao

Abstract

River–sea intermodal transport is becoming increasingly popular for container repositioning in hinterland areas, owing to its cost-efficiency and low energy consumption. However, bridge heights and water depths may restrict the sailing of container vessels on rivers, which presents a challenge for the wider implementation of river–sea intermodal transport. In this study, we investigate the potential of foldable containers to improve empty container repositioning in river–sea intermodal transport, with consideration of bridge height and water depth constraints. A mathematical model is developed to minimize the total cost. Numerical experiments based on near-practical instances on the Yangtze River in China are conducted to test the effectiveness of the model and the efficiency of foldable containers. The results show that introducing foldable containers into empty container repositioning along a river can utilize vessel space more effectively and decrease the total cost for container shipping companies. The joint impacts of bridge heights and foldable containers on the overall performance are analyzed to obtain managerial insights. Finally, policies are suggested to facilitate the implementation of foldable containers for river–sea intermodal transport.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Ruiyou & Huang, Chao & Feng, Xuehao, 2020. "Empty container repositioning with foldable containers in a river transport network considering the limitations of bridge heights," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 197-213.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:133:y:2020:i:c:p:197-213
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2020.01.019
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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.
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    5. Elżbieta Szaruga & Elżbieta Załoga, 2022. "Qualitative–Quantitative Warning Modeling of Energy Consumption Processes in Inland Waterway Freight Transport on River Sections for Environmental Management," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-21, June.
    6. Najafi, Mehdi & Zolfagharinia, Hossein, 2021. "Pricing and quality setting strategy in maritime transportation: Considering empty repositioning and demand uncertainty," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
    7. Fan Bu & Heather Nachtmann, 2023. "Literature review and comparative analysis of inland waterways transport: “Container on Barge”," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 25(1), pages 140-173, March.

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