Repositioning of empty containers using both standard and foldable containers

Ilkyeong Moon () and Hwajin Hong ()
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Ilkyeong Moon: Department of Industrial Engineering, Seoul National University, Kwanak-gu, Seoul 151-744, Korea.
Hwajin Hong: Department of Industrial Engineering, Pusan National University, Kumjung-gu, Busan 609-735, Korea.

Maritime Economics & Logistics, 2016, vol. 18, issue 1, 77 pages

Abstract: Advanced technologies are expected to drive practical applications that can reduce transportation and storage costs via novel space-saving foldable containers. To use them efficiently, shipping companies need a systematic algorithm that will simultaneously reposition foldable containers along with standard ones currently in use. Moreover, ports with facilities for folding and unfolding containers must be selected. To address these issues, we have developed a mathematical model for repositioning both standard and foldable empty containers. We use the model to minimize total transportation costs, inventory holding, handling, folding and unfolding, container leasing, and installing facilities that accommodate foldable containers. In addition to the mathematical model, we develop linear programming-based and hybrid genetic algorithms to obtain satisfactory solutions for these complex problems within reasonable computation times. We conduct several experiments to demonstrate the performance of the proposed methods and analyze their sensitivities to the cost parameters related to foldable containers.

Date: 2016
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