Efficient heuristic for non-linear transportation problem on the route with multiple ports

Srećko Krile

doi:10.2478/pomr-2013-0044

Abstract

ABSTRACT We need a better transport planning tool for loading maximization and transport cost minimization on the voyage route with multiple loading/unloading (discharging) ports. The implemented heuristic algorithm is able to find out an appropriate routing sequence with maximal earnings and profit. In the same time it looks for minimal loading/discharging and transshipment costs, but with fulfillment of cargo demands in a number of ports on the route. The efficient algorithm for optimal transport of N cargo loads (e.g. contingent of containers) for ships with limited capacity is being developed. This efficient tool may significantly reduce transport costs and ensure maximal profit to freight forwarders. Also, it can be applied for supply chain management of different goods from numerous vendors. The proposed algorithm shows acceptable complexity that means that such optimization tool can be used in shipping supported with limited computing power.

Highlights

Pre-shipment planning is a key element for efficient cargo management and successful transport with transportation means of limited capacity
One of the most important problems in cargo transportation is to find the sequence of cargo distribution between multiple sources and multiple destinations which minimizes the transportation cost and better utilizes the ship capacity
The capacity management problem in shipping is extended to transportation problem of different cargo types transported by one mean on the route with multiple sources and multiple destinations

Summary

Introduction

Pre-shipment planning is a key element for efficient cargo management and successful transport with transportation means of limited capacity (ship, train, airplane etc.). The capacity management problem in shipping is extended to transportation problem of different cargo types transported by one mean on the route with multiple sources (loading ports) and multiple destinations (ports of discharge). Such a problem appears in route management for multipurpose ships, tramper ships, container ships, where different contingents of cargo are transported by the ship with limited capacity; see [14].

Results

Conclusion