OPERATION PLANNING FOR EMPTY CONTAINER REPOSITIONING

Authors

  • Yin Long National University of Singapore
  • Loo Hay Lee National University of Singapore
  • Ek Peng CHEW National University of Singapore
  • Yi LUO National University of Singapore
  • Jijun SHAO National University of Singapore
  • Arpan SENGUTA Neptune Orient Lines Ltd.
  • Selina M L Chua Neptune Orient Lines Ltd.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2013.20.1-2.478

Keywords:

Empty Container Repositioning Optimization Network Transshipment Hub Decision Support Tool

Abstract

One of the challenges that liner operators face today is to effectively operate empty containers in order to meet demands and to reduce inefficiency. The objective of this study is to apply optimization techniques to solve the practical empty container repositioning problem. A decision support tool is also developed to facilitate practical applications. We present a case study which considers 49 ports and 44 services. The original problem consists of very large state space, and it might not be able to solve in reasonable time. By intelligent modeling, solutions can be provided within a few seconds. Our proposed model is compared with a simple rule which attempts to mimic the actual operation of a shipping liner. The numerical results show that the proposed model is promising. Moreover, the model is able to identify potential transshipment hubs for intra-Asia empty container transportation.

Author Biographies

Yin Long, National University of Singapore

Industrial & Systems Engineering, NUS

Loo Hay Lee, National University of Singapore

Industrial & Systems Engineering, NUS

Ek Peng CHEW, National University of Singapore

Industrial & Systems Engineering, NUS

Yi LUO, National University of Singapore

Industrial & Systems Engineering, NUS

Jijun SHAO, National University of Singapore

Industrial & Systems Engineering, NUS

Published

2013-03-25

How to Cite

Long, Y., Lee, L. H., CHEW, E. P., LUO, Y., SHAO, J., SENGUTA, A., & Chua, S. M. L. (2013). OPERATION PLANNING FOR EMPTY CONTAINER REPOSITIONING. International Journal of Industrial Engineering: Theory, Applications and Practice, 20(1-2). https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2013.20.1-2.478

Issue

Section

Logistics and Material Handling