Optimization of empty container movements in intermodal transport

Abstract

This thesis deals with the optimization of empty container repositioning movements in intermodal container transport networks in the hinterland of major seaports. Two aspects of the empty container repositioning problem are studied. For both of them, opportunities for the integration of loaded and empty container movements are analyzed. The first aspect is related to a tactical planning problem in barge transportation. A mathematical model is proposed which may be used as a decision support tool to determine shipping routes, vessel capacity and service frequency when designing regular roundtrip barge services between a seaport and the hinterland. The second aspect is concerned with the operational planning of drayage operations. These operations are the loaded and empty container transports which take place by truck in the service area of intermodal containers terminals in the hinterland. Both a sequential and an integrated solution approach are proposed. Mathematical formulations for both solution approaches are presented. Hierarchical objective functions as well as bi-objective functions are considered. Finally, a time-dependent version of the problem is proposed. To solve the different sequential and integrated drayage problems, a two-phase deterministic annealing meta-heuristic is presented. Results indicate that the integrated approach provides statistically significant better solutions than the sequential approach.