Optimal shipping routes and vessel size for intermodal barge transport with empty container repositioning

Abstract

In this paper, a decision support model for service network design in intermodal barge transportation is presented. Service network design is concerned with the selection and characteristics of routes on which services are provided. An efficient service network design should take empty container repositioning movements into account. These empty container movements are highly interrelated with loaded container transports. Unfortunately, most existing models do not consider both types of movements together. The decision support model presented in this paper determines optimal shipping routes for roundtrip services between a major sea port and one or several hinterland ports. The model decides on the hinterland ports to be visited and which transport demand should be fulfilled in order to maximize profit. Empty container repositioning movements that balance container in- and outflow at each port are taken into account. A case study on the hinterland network of the port of Antwerp in Belgium is discussed. Numerical experiments are presented to show how the model can be used to identify the appropriate vessel size and service frequency. The model is extended to cope with demand variation over periods and the use of multiple ships to offer barge services.