Determining optimal shipping routes for barge transport with empty container repositioning

Service network design for freight transportation is concerned with the selection and characteristics of routes on which services are provided. An efficient service network design should take empty container repositioning movements into account. These empty container movements are highly interrelated with loaded container transports. Unfortunately, most existing models do not consider both types of movements together. In this paper, a model for service network design in intermodal barge transportation is presented. Both loaded container transports and empty container repositioning movements are taken into account. The model is applied to the Albert Canal which connects the port of Antwerp with four hinterland ports. Several possible assumptions and empty container management scenarios are defined. The optimal shipping route under different demand conditions is calculated and the optimal location of an empty container hub in the hinterland is determined. Finally, the model is extended to a multi period model to cope with transport demand variation over periods.