Optimization of empty container movements using street-turn: Application to Valencia hinterland

• The empty container logistics in the hinterland is presented and summarized.
• A model was defined to calculate the best assignment of container to the clients request.
• Real data from operations of China Shipping in Valencia harbour are used and tested.
• The details of the implementation of the model in the operation of that company are reported.
• Some experiments were carried out to assess the savings of street-turn operations.

Empty maritime container logistics is one of the most relevant costs for shipping companies. In this paper two mathematical models (based on two different container movement patterns, i.e. with and without street-turns) were defined to optimize land empty container movements among shippers, consignees, terminals and depots, along with minimizing storage costs. One of the proposed optimization models was embedded in a simple Decision Support System (DSS) and then tested with real data, based on the operations in Valencia’s (Spain) hinterland. The results obtained confirm the benefits of implementing these kinds of models for the company, and additional experiments assess and quantify the advantage of using the more complex approach that is able to implement street-turn patterns.