Optimizing Empty Container Repositioning at Inland Terminals Using Data Analytics to Make an Informed Decision for a Seaport in Sweden
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Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Modellbyggare
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Sammanfattning
Sweden, as a country, maintains a fair balance between imports and exports.
However, in this post-pandemic era, there has been a rise in both imports and
exports. Consequently, the transportation of goods involves extensive movement of
containers. This thesis focuses on optimizing the existing container transport
network from the perspective of the seaport, shipping lines, inland terminals, and
rail operators. The network and flows are modelled as a mixed integer linear
programming problem using Python and Gurobi. The goal is to meet the demand
for empty containers while reducing turnaround time, container kilometres, the
number of containers, and emissions. The results of the optimization model aid
decision-making in selecting inland terminals for triangulation. The selection
criteria for inland terminals include the number of containers handled, total
emissions, triangle distance factor, and container kilometres. Currently, the flow of
containers does not employ any strategies for utilizing empty containers. However,
through the analysis of the optimization model, the thesis achieves the reuse of
empty import containers by implementing triangulation and storage at inland
terminals. Implementation of these strategies holds significant potential for cost
savings for large shipping lines. In the current container transport system, there
are four legs of transport: two for import flows (from port to importer and back)
and two for export flows (from port to exporter and back). By implementing the
proposed strategies, the number of legs in the transportation system can be
reduced from four to three, resulting in increased efficiency. The results of the
optimization model have demonstrated promising potential for cost savings across
various inland terminals. The implications for different actors involved in the
container transport network are thoroughly investigated in this study. Moreover,
this research addresses the gap between qualitative decision-making and the need
for substantial quantitative analysis. By utilizing the optimization model,
decision-makers now have a valuable tool that provides quantitative insights,
enabling more informed and data-driven decision-making processes.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
triangulation, optimization, containers, inland terminals, strategies