Title: Optimal slot allocation with empty container reposition problem for Asia ocean carriers

Authors: Cheng-Min Feng, Chia-Hui Chang

Addresses: Institute of Traffic and Transportation, National Chiao Tung University, 4F, No. 114, Sec. 1, Chung-Hsiao W. Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan. ' 4F, No. 114, Sec.1, Chung-Hsiao W. Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan

Abstract: This paper utilises revenue management modelling to make an optimal slot allocation serving a specific shipping service route for ocean carriers. The model, incorporating the expected cost of empty container reposition, is formulated through mathematical programming to maximise operational profit of ocean carriers, subject to some constraints of vessel capacity, container demand and empty container supply. Computational results not only present port-to-port slot allocation to be a guideline to implement space control but also provide a criterion to review the status of strategic alliance among ocean carriers.

Keywords: optimal slot allocation; revenue management; empty containers; ocean carriers; repositioning; profit maximisation; vessel capacity; supply and demand; strategic alliances; port-to-port operations; transport logistics; Asia; China; Hong Kong; Indonesia; Taiwan; shipping logistics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2010.029895

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2010 Vol.2 No.1, pp.22 - 43

Published online: 02 Dec 2009 *

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