An utility-based decision support sustainability model in slow steaming maritime operations

• Continuous utility-based decision support models for slow steaming are developed.
• Logarithmic and linear utility functions support risk-averse and -neutral decisions.
• Utility-functions comprise fuel consumption, carbon emission and on time delivery.
• The model applies to a Trans-Pacific service route in determining an optimal speed.
• Sensitivity analysis on sailing distance, transit time, quantity and emission policy.

This paper analyses slow steaming sustainability initiatives and generalizes the traditional discrete cost-based decision support model into novel continuous utility-based models. Two models based on logarithmic and linear utility functions are developed for risk-averse and risk-neutral decision makers respectively. The models, considering fuel consumption, carbon emission, and on time delivery, are applied to a Trans-pacific trade service route. A sensitivity analysis is conducted on parameters of sailing distance, expected transit time, quantity, and emission policies. The model contributes to ship liners on the optimal speed decisions in continuous utility-based slow steaming operations.