Efficient Financing Solution for Foldable Containers Used in Field Research

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.

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.

What are the benefits of a foldable container?

Using the newly developed foldable container can not only significantly reduce logistics costs, but also bring positive environmental impacts such as reducing greenhouse gas that may have arisen from transporting bulky empty containers. Also the foldable container influences social aspects such as noise pollution, local development and employment.