International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics (18 papers in press)

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• Open Access

  Applying public information to make green shipping investment decisions ( Free Full-text Access )

  by Jialin Yang, Kevin Cullinane, Ying-en Ge 
  Abstract: Confronted with a surfeit of green shipping information and a variety of alternative fuels and technologies, the investment decisions facing shipping companies have become increasingly complex. Applying the novel granular fuzzy pay-off method (FPOM), this paper aims to provide a conceptually meaningful, understandable and easily applicable methodology for investment in green shipping. Based on public information, this paper conducts a case study relating to four popular kinds of ship fuels (namely diesel, LNG, methanol and hydrogen) to show how to use this method in financing a green ship. The results show that this methodology performs well under such a scenario. It indicates that, for the case study presented, LNG is an excellent transitional green fuel for use in the near future, regarding both financial benefit and emissions reduction. In addition, compared to the price of carbon, in the short-term fuel costs are more influential in a shipping company's green shipping investment decision process.
  Keywords: green shipping finance; alternative fuel; carbon price; granular fuzzy pay-off method; FPOM; possibilistic mean; probabilistic mean.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10069308
   
  
• Ownership Reform in Action: Does Gratuitous Transfer Boost Productivity in China's Transportation Enterprises?  
  by Jinglei Yang, Mengchi Li, Xiaofan Wu 
  Abstract: This study aims to empirically investigate the impact of gratuitous transfers on total factor productivity (TFP) within China's state-owned enterprises (SOEs), specifically focusing on the transportation sector. In doing so, we challenge the traditional skepticism regarding the effectiveness of gratuitous transfers as a mechanism for enhancing productivity. Gratuitous transfers stand as an important instrument for ownership reform in China's SOEs. Using a Difference-in-difference model and analyzing data from 98 transportation companies over 20 years, the research shows that gratuitous transfers can significantly boost total factor productivity (TFP) in transportation sector. Unlike conventional mergers and acquisitions (M&A) which focus on short-term gains, gratuitous transfers target long-term productivity through governance reforms and digitalization. The study also underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in the gratuitous transfer process to ensure its positive impact on SOEs' efficiency.
  Keywords: Gratuitous transfer; Transportation sector; Total factor productivity; State-owned enterprises; Difference-in-difference model; Mechanism analyses.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10069309
   
  
• Evaluation of Factors Affecting UAV Selection in Urban Air Logistics  
  by Yasin Mercan, Volkan Yavaş, Dilek Can 
  Abstract: As the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) system continues to grow in popularity, it is regarded as one of the most significant innovations in the aviation sector. It is believed that the future of logistics operations will experience breakthroughs with the UAM system and aircraft. The purpose of this study is to ascertain what the shippers, or stakeholders, anticipate from the Urban Air Logistics (UAL) aircraft (UAV, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), which will be utilized in logistics operations. Based on scholarly research and industry discussions about UAM and logistics, 11 important factors for choosing aircraft were found. These criteria are classified under two main headings: technical criteria and operational criteria As a result of the findings, it was concluded that technical criteria are more important than operational criteria with a small difference.
  Keywords: Urban Air Mobility; UAM; Logistics; MCDM; FUCOM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10070305
   
  
• Intermodal Port Access and Egress Transportation under Green Concerns: A Systematic Literature Review  
  by Ying Du, Feng LIAN, Zhongzhen Yang 
  Abstract: This paper systematically reviews the research advancements in port access and egress intermodal transportation under green concerns. Existing studies in this domain can be categorized into three themes by their research objectives: (1) focusing on calculating and analyzing the CO2 emissions generated by various port access and egress transportation modes; (2) focusing on optimizing the transportation network through applying operations research techniques to shift transportation modes from high-carbon to low-carbon; and (3) focusing on assessing the environmental performance and CO2 reduction potential of the optimized transportation network. Finally, by classifying the problem characteristics and research methodologies for each theme and analyzing the similarities and research gaps of studies in each theme, this paper discusses future research opportunities: (1) the trade-off between environmental benefits and efficiency losses; (2) the ports’ pivotal role in integrating landside and seaside transportation processes and guiding landside modal shift; and (3) the life cycle CO2 emissions forecasting for reconstructed intermodal transportation systems.
  Keywords: Port access and egress transportation; CO2 emission; Intermodal transportation; Modal shift; Transportation and environment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10070307
   
  
• Port infrastructure optimisation model: integration of berth allocation (BAP) and channel scheduling (ChSP) with consideration of tide variation and vessel navigation speed  
  by Suárez Motato Frank Didier, Londoño Ortega Julio César, Bravo Bastidas Juan José 
  Abstract: The proper allocation of vessels to berths represents a significant challenge that aims to utilise resources efficiently whilst providing good service to the vessels. This task is exceedingly complex when considering real-world constraints such as tides, draught, access channels, service times, speeds, and berthing and unberthing priorities. In this work, the berth allocation problem (BAP) is integrated with the channel scheduling problem (SChP) and the real constraints existing in maritime ports. To address this problem, we developed a mixed-integer linear programming model and compared it with a model presented in the literature. The results show that, by considering the real constraints of ports, vessel scheduling can change significantly.
  Keywords: berth allocation; discrete berthing; access channel; tides; navigation speed.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10070693
   
  
• Dynamic pricing research for container terminal handling charge in competitive game environment  
  by Yi Ding, Jia Liu, Kaimin Chen, Youxuan Pan 
  Abstract: The container terminal handling charge (THC) is a critical source of revenue for terminals. The recent downturn in the maritime market, coupled with escalating price wars among terminals, has heightened the urgency to establish an appropriate THC pricing strategy. This paper investigates the phenomenon of low-price competition in container handling services and proposes a demand information sharing scheme. We present a nonlinear game model to clarify the interactions between price, demand, cost, and competition. To address this model, we apply the Bayesian learning method to forecast future demand via the proposed scheme, while a heuristic algorithm identifies the Nash equilibrium. This study aims to introduce a novel THC pricing approach that mitigates vicious competition through a demand information sharing scheme, enabling dynamic THC pricing for increased profitability. Additionally, we compare the effect of demand information sharing scheme in duopolistic competition and multi-terminals competition, emphasising the importance of widespread cooperation.
  Keywords: dynamic pricing; demand information sharing; terminal handling charge; THC; Bayesian learning; competitive game.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10071253
   
  
• Research on the optimisation of equipment configurations in smart ports based on self-adaptive theory  
  by Fayi Huang, Dequan Zhou, Yuhan Yang, Xufeng Tang 
  Abstract: The importance of international maritime transportation in global trade is self-evident. However, the increasing frequency of maritime trade has imposed greater demands on maritime supply chains. This study aims to investigate the efficient scheduling of multitier equipment in automated container terminals. An integrated model encompassing berths, container yards and transportation subsystems is considered. Owing to the complexity of the proposed model, a comprehensive optimisation framework is developed by combining mathematical optimisation and simulation optimisation methods, along with the application of self-adaptive theory, to achieve optimality for specific indicators in the model. Finally, numerical experiments using real-world data are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm.
  Keywords: adaptive genetic algorithm; AGA; simulation optimisation; mixed integer programming; port equipment scheduling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10071355
   
  
• Hub-and-spoke network design: disruption mitigation and resilience enhancement  
  by Dengyuhui Li, Dongning Liu, Jianbin Jiao, Shouyang Wang, Guanghui Zhou 
  Abstract: As maritime uncertainty escalates, the unpredictable disruptions pose serious challenges to optimisation decisions. This study aims to design a hub-and-spoke network considering disruption mitigation and resilience enhancement. The patterns of complete or partial disruption of pivotal nodes and connecting paths in a network are analysed, and resilience strategies considering absorptive, adaptive, and restorative capabilities are discussed. A bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming optimisation model is constructed that considers allocation and reinforcement decisions before disruptions and restoration decisions after disruptions, with the minimum economic cost and maximum resilience level. Subsequently, a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm is proposed, which includes a two-stage initial population generation method and self-adaptive local search strategies. Numerical experiments validate that the proposed model and algorithm can effectively enhance the system resilience while optimising the economic cost. Furthermore, a case study is presented in the context of the Asia-Europe trade corridor. Sensitivity analyses and managerial insights are also provided.
  Keywords: maritime transport; international supply chain; hub-and-spoke network; disruption; resilience.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10071892
   
  
• The spatial dependence of container throughputs and liner shipping connectivity in coastal countries prior to the COVID-19 pandemic  
  by Pei-Chun Lin, T.C.Edwin Cheng, Po-Yuan Huang 
  Abstract: This study explored the relationship between container throughputs and liner shipping connectivity for coastal countries. We use UNCTAD data to investigate the spatial relationship between container throughput and liner shipping connectivity across a sample of 138 coastal countries. We demonstrated empirically that container throughputs are spatially clustered: the container throughput of a coastal country is similar to those of its neighbouring countries and trade agreement partners. We also showed there is a spillover effect of container throughputs; one coastal countrys throughput is explained by those of other countries through spatial connections. The growth in one coastal countrys container throughput has a positive ripple effect on the global economy, leading to higher throughputs in other countries. We measure the total effect of liner shipping connectivity on container throughputs, as well as compare the effects transmitted to neighbouring countries based on sea distances with those transmitted to partner countries signed trade agreements. The studys findings suggest that understanding and enhancing liner connectivity is essential for optimising container throughputs at the country level, emphasising the critical role of network structure and technological advancements in shaping maritime transport dynamics.
  Keywords: liner shipping performance index; LSCI; container throughputs; connectivity; neighbouring countries; free trade agreement; spatial dependence.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10071913
   
  
• Optimal second-tier hub port for enhanced infrastructure connectivity in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership  
  by Narthsirinth Netirith, Mingjun Ji 
  Abstract: This paper explores the strategic positioning of second-tier hub ports within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The primary aim is to augment maritime transport and seabound trade by optimising containerisation transhipment and distribution processes. This paper addressed a specialised variant of the single hub location-allocation problem by focusing on a designated second-tier hub port within the RCEP region. This study describes the optimal placement of this hub port and the corresponding feeder port allocations to enhance transhipment efficiency, regional connectivity, and feeder service distribution throughout the RCEP. This analysis identifies Songkhla Port as the most suitable location for establishing a second-tier hub port by utilising an integer linear programming model tailored for single allocation scenarios. The findings provide valuable insights that could strengthen the development and execution of evidence-based policies and strategic initiatives, thereby strengthening maritime infrastructure and promoting economic integration across the RCEP.
  Keywords: hub-and-spoke system; single hub location-allocation; second-tier port; regional connectivity; Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership; RCEP.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10071978
   
  
• Governance strategies for emission control areas: a tripartite game perspective of port state, flag state and shipping company  
  by Jihong Chen, Aoyu Li, Lang Xu, Jinyu Xu, Cheng Kun Liu, Jianghao Xu 
  Abstract: To reduce ship emissions during navigation and berthing, the IMO has established emission control areas (ECAs), but their effectiveness remains limited. To address fragmented regulations and weak compliance incentives, we develop a tripartite evolutionary game model involving port states, flag states, and shipping companies, revealing the dynamics of collaborative governance. Results show that port states unilateral regulation faces diminishing returns, and penalties alone are insufficient. Flag state participation depends on effective reputation incentives, with a threshold between international benefits and regulatory costs. Coupled parameter analysis highlights the leverage of governance synergy on cost optimisation and the role of regulatory success in shaping shipping company strategies. This study proposes an incentive-compatible framework for transboundary regulation, offering theoretical support for overcoming sovereignty barriers and enhancing global maritime emission governance.
  Keywords: emission control area; ECA; evolutionary games; cooperative regulation; synergistic effect.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10071979
   
  
• The impacts of relocating screening scanners on efficiency of transshipment container ports: policy implications for the maritime industry  
  by Jungyong Seo, Keyju Lee, Young-Joon Seo, A-Rom Kim 
  Abstract: With the recent rise in the importance of logistics security around the world, it is worth considering relocating container inspection systems (CISs) to make port operations more efficient. This study aims to investigate changes in the terminal process when container screening equipment is additionally introduced in an automated container terminal. This research conducts a series of simulation experiments to compare two location alternatives of container scanners regarding terminal efficiency. When container screening is hardened, it is found that relocating the CIS to the TP on the waterside of the yard block to perform container screening effectively improves terminal efficiency. Although the expenses in screening containers to the USA and the time required to handle the containers may increase because of complete container inspection regulations, our research suggests this may not be an insurmountable issue.
  Keywords: container screening; container scanner relocation; port efficiency; transshipment; simulation; Korean ports; container inspection systems; CISs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10072345
   
  
• Collaborative scheduling of coal terminal loading-unloading based on hybrid flowshop model considering two-stage zero-waiting and task release time  
  by Meng Yu, Yi Yu, Xiabin Zhang, Lijun He 
  Abstract: The coal terminal is vital in the north coal south transportation strategy, supporting coal supply chain efficiency. Its operations - offloading, stacking, reclaiming, and loading - mirror a hybrid flowshop model but face coordination and constraint challenges. This study explores collaborative scheduling for four-stage operations to minimise completion time and balance equipment load. A multi-objective model with zero-wait loading/unloading is proposed. To solve the NP-hard problem, an improved chaos-based genetic particle swarm optimisation (CBGPSO) algorithm is developed. It combines particle swarm optimisation with a two-stage encoding scheme and a Metropolis-based evolutionary process. Elite crossover and chaos strategies enhance particle perturbation. Real coal terminal data is used for experiments, comparing algorithm performance. Results from multi-train scheduling confirm the model's effectiveness in reducing makespan and improving machine load balance.
  Keywords: hybrid flowshop; coal terminal; loading and unloading integration; multi-objective particle swarm optimisation; collaborative scheduling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10072477
   
  
• Timing of emergency shipboard abandonment decision: an integrated DEMATEL and ANP approach  
  by Volkan Efecan, Ünal Özdemir 
  Abstract: The emergency shipboard abandonment decision is critical for the safety of seafarers, passengers, and the environment. Within the conventions established by the International Maritime Organisation, the captain is expected to order the ships abandonment if a life-threatening hazard persists despite all necessary precautions. This study aims to prioritise the factors that may affect the timing of the abandonment decision, using an integrated DEMATEL and ANP approach. The findings reveal that the captains experience and the psychological pressure they face are critical in the timing of the decision. In conclusion, assessing the timing of shipboard emergency abandonment decisions necessitates the integration of both tangible and intangible aspects, acknowledging the complex interplay between objective data and subjective human elements inherent in crises. Therefore, by identifying the factors and understanding their influence on the decision-making process, more effective emergency procedures can be developed.
  Keywords: abandonment; timing; decision-making; emergency; analytic network process; ANP; DEMATEL.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10072817
   
  
• Anomaly levels of factors affecting the estimated price of a second-hand ship  
  by Gülden Öner, Burak Göksu, Ersin Açıkgöz 
  Abstract: This is a study to determine the variables, and their effects related to second-hand ship prices and predict the prices of ships with the anomalies and make suggestions to their reasons on information acquired from the sales of 1,283 pre-owned Panamax-class vessels between 2010 and 2022. The regression model was used as a pre-selection method to specify the variables associated with the prices of second-hand ships, and the artificial neural networks model was used to predict the prices of these ships and to determine the anomalies related to the price estimation. As a result, there is a significant relationship between the age of the ships, tonnage, LIBOR interest rates, crude oil prices, freight rates and second-hand prices. In ships older than 20 years and between 65,000-75,000 DWT, very low and high freight rates, low crude oil prices and high interest rates, anomaly prices are high.
  Keywords: artificial neural network; ANN; Panamax bulk carriers; price anomalies; regression; second-hand ship.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2024.10068116
   
  
• Performance measure of dry bulk ports using shipping big data  
  by Wenhao Peng, Xiwen Bai, Jianqiao Ren, Jie Ni, Weihong Liu 
  Abstract: Dry bulk port performance measure from a global macro perspective is important, as major dry bulk cargoes are closely linked to national industrial development. However, there is a lack of study systematically investigating dry bulk port performance measure using state-of-art technology, i.e., maritime big data. For a comprehensive comparison of worldwide dry bulk port performance, this study proposes a four-dimensional dry bulk port performance evaluation approach using automatic identification system (AIS) data. Dry bulk port performance is quantified in terms of connectivity, scale, efficiency and cargo flow. Using the top 15 iron ore ports as an example, the port performance of major iron ore ports is calculated and compared with AIS data in 2020. The constructed performance measure has been shown to effectively capture the key points for dry bulk ports to improve their performance, and provide insightful suggestions for both port operators and shipping companies.
  Keywords: dry bulk port; port performance measure; automatic identification system; AIS; iron ore port.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10072873
   
  
• Behaviour of agricultural commodity freight rates and structural breaks  
  by Andréa Leda Ramos De Oliveira, Thayane Caroline Oliveira Da Conceição, Matheus Melo De Souza, Tatiana De Oliveira Russo 
  Abstract: Brazil is the world's largest producer and exporter of agricultural commodities, while facing logistical weaknesses and a heavy reliance on road transport. This study examines abrupt variations in a time series of soybean and maize road freight rates in Brazil using the Bai and Perron methodology to identify structural breaks. The analytical approach employed a dynamic programming algorithm to locate significant breaks. The results highlight that these breaks were outcomes of economic, political, and market events, such as the lorry drivers' strike in 2018, the promulgation of Law 13,703, the completion of the paving of highway BR-163, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the increase in grain exports, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the spike in oil and diesel prices, all of which directly impacted road freight rates and the transport industry. These conclusions underscore the necessity of assessing the agricultural commodity supply chain in uncertain settings to support decision-making and impact mitigation.
  Keywords: time series; political-economic impacts; volatility; agro-industrial chain.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10070306
   
  
• Application of extended Pythagorean fuzzy TOPSIS method for evaluating smart containers  
  by Sujan Mondal, Ankita Ray, Sourav Das 
  Abstract: Industry 5.0 introduces 'Society 5.0' along with the concept of Industry 4.0 which engages customisation with smart systems and provides smart logistics and supply chain management. As a significant component of smart logistic systems smart containers have gained global attention from academia and industry due to their flexible and traceable features to optimise logistic networks. However, the value-driven complexities of Industry 5.0 make it challenging for users to identify the best smart container. This study addresses this issue by applying an extended Pythagorean fuzzy TOPSIS (PF-TOPSIS) method, an advanced multi-criteria decision-making approach that integrates Pythagorean fuzzy sets to handle uncertainty in evaluating complex criteria. In the application section, five different smart containers are examined based on nine different diverging criteria. PF-TOPSIS method enhances the selection approach by incorporating membership, non-membership and degree of hesitation allowing for a more nuanced evaluation. The outcome shows that the usability and adaptation of decision-making approaches can help the logistics manager make informed choices. Finally, sensitivity analysis is performed to define the robustness of the experimental results. Notably, this study is the first in literature to evaluate smart containers based on Industry 5.0 criteria using extended PF-TOPSIS method.
  Keywords: multi-criteria decision-making; MCDM; Industry 5.0; smart container; extended PF-TOPSIS; sensitivity analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2025.10069310