Intelligent Government Procurement of Foldable Containers

Are foldable containers a solution to empty container repositioning?

The paper explores the potential of foldable containers as a solution for the costly issue of empty container repositioning in maritime logistics. Through qualitative research of 23 expert interviews, this study identified barriers like market incentives and operational concerns, while noting financial and environmental benefits as drivers.

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.

How can a government reduce the cost of a foldable container?

It would also be helpful for governments to invest in research and innovation of the equipment technology for handling foldable containers to reduce the fixed cost. Meanwhile, policies that can motivate container companies to supply more foldable containers to the market would also have a positive effect.

Are foldable containers a good investment?

Despite high purchase costs and the additional folding and unfolding costs of foldable containers, foldable containers have advantages in the reduction of repositioning costs and saving in terms of storage space and vessel capacity.