Conditions for Trading Foldable Container Mobile Transactions

Can foldable containers be used in maritime transportation?

Computational results show that the proposed formulation performs well in terms of operating costs and there exists a significant cost-saving effect when foldable containers are used in maritime transportation. Previousarticlein issue Nextarticlein issue Keywords OR in maritime industry Empty container repositioning Foldable container

How do foldable containers affect a shipping company's decision-making process?

The introduction of foldable containers affects the operational-level planning decisions at shipping companies, which makes the decision process very complex. The flow of loaded containers is a source of empty containers at the destined port, and the vessel capacity is shared by loaded and empty containers.

Why is containerization a problem?

Because of the reusable nature of containerization, the container is returned to the port in an empty state after being used for transporting goods. The time delay between container use and return creates problematic and inconsistent demand and supply for the container.

Do foldable containers reduce repositioning costs?

In our ECR problem, the shipping company considers both transporting loaded containers and repositioning of empty containers over a planning horizon. Because empty repositioning incurs costs and consumes vessel capacity, foldable containers are used to reduce repositioning costs.