Adriatic Sea Hub Ports Feeder Service Optimization Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods

Dario Medić, Srećko Krile, Igor Jelaska and Rino Bošnjak
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Dario Medić: Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 37, 21000 Split, Croatia
Srećko Krile: Maritime Department, University of Dubrovnik, Branitelja Dubrovnika 29, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Igor Jelaska: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Teslina 6, 21000 Split, Croatia
Rino Bošnjak: Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 37, 21000 Split, Croatia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 21, 1-12

Abstract: From a scientific viewpoint, as well as from the perspective of navigation practice, it is clear that the Adriatic Sea feeder service is relatively underdeveloped. Hence, the objective of this study is to suggest a model for selecting the hub port and to optimize the network of seaports engaged in the feeder service. Accordingly, an appropriate hub port has been identified through the methods of multi-criteria decision making and expert assessment, and the optimum shipping route has been calculated by applying the travelling salesman algorithm (TSA). In order to analyze whether there is a possibility of obtaining better optimization results, an integration of a sub-hub port system is suggested. Optimization has been achieved by applying a minimum spanning tree algorithm (MST) and a combination of these algorithms. The proposed methodology for selecting the hub port, sub-hub port and optimizing the feeder network can be implemented globally. The practical application of the achieved model would result in cost minimization, owing to shorter shipping routes or a combination of different transportation means (feeders).

Keywords: feeder service; feeder port; hub port; travelling salesman algorithm; minimum spanning tree (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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