Optimization of inter-modal rail transport within a port area and reaching the hinterland

Abstract

This paper investigates the problem of optimizing inter-terminal movements of containers and vehicles within a port in order to achieve a smooth and effective transport within the port and towards the hinterland. Intermodal rail transport (IRT) is the combination of formation of trains already in origin terminals, moving containers across terminals, and/or moving them towards a main formation yard, according to cost and effectiveness. IRT is promising but requires coordination between different stakeholders such as terminal and railway network operators. To provide some insights about how to organize the IRT in a port area, this paper proposes an optimization model describing the movement of containers and various vehicles between and inside terminals. The objective of the model is to minimize the number of containers that cannot reach their destination on time. The problem is further constrained with the fleet and handling facilities in terminals. A network inspired by a real life port is used as a test case to test different IRT components, i.e., inter-terminal transport connections, train formation, railway timetable. The result of the optimization helps in identifying the most promising features of IRT, namely, that more connections between terminals and a flexible outbound railway timetable.