Optimization Model of Empty Container Reposition of Liner Alliance Based on Mutually Renting Strategy in Short Sea Service

Abstract

This paper addressed an empty container reposition problem in short sea liner service based on empty container mutually renting strategy among liner alliance. A dynamic optimization model of empty container reposition for each stage in short sea liner service was set up with the objective of minimizing the total cost of empty container reposition during a decision-making period considering comprehensively the influenced factors of empty container transportation, handling, renting and stockpiling cost. So that it gives out the empty container reposition and renting strategy for the liner at different ports and at different voyage time. A time related dynamic algorithm was also designed. The verified example results illustrates that the mutually renting strategy of empty container could realize the optimization of empty container reposition effectively among liner alliance.