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On cost-efficiency of the global container shipping network

Author

Listed:
  • Dongping Song *
  • Jie Zhang
  • Jonathan Carter
  • Tony Field
  • James Marshall
  • John Polak
  • Kimberly Schumacher
  • Proshun Sinha-Ray
  • John Woods

Abstract

This paper presents a simple formulation in the form of a pipe network for modelling the global container-shipping network. The cost-efficiency and movement-patterns of the current container-shipping network have been investigated using heuristic methods. The model is able to reproduce the overall incomes, costs, and container movement patterns for the industry as well as for the individual shipping lines and ports. It was found that the cost of repositioning empties is 27% of the total world fleet running cost and that overcapacity continues to be a problem. The model is computationally efficient. Implemented in the Java language, it takes one minute to run a full-scale network on a Pentium IV computer.

Suggested Citation

  • Dongping Song * & Jie Zhang & Jonathan Carter & Tony Field & James Marshall & John Polak & Kimberly Schumacher & Proshun Sinha-Ray & John Woods, 2005. "On cost-efficiency of the global container shipping network," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(1), pages 15-30, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:marpmg:v:32:y:2005:i:1:p:15-30
    DOI: 10.1080/0308883042000176640
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ross Robinson, 2002. "Ports as elements in value-driven chain systems: the new paradigm," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(3), pages 241-255.
    2. Akio Imai & Fausto Rivera, 2001. "Strategic fleet size planning for maritime refrigerated containers," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(4), pages 361-374, October.
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