Simulated Global Empty Containers Repositioning Using Agent-Based Modelling

Abstract

Due to an ever-increasing movement of containers across the globe in line with the economic boom, the trade imbalance and issues related to empty containers have become inevitable. Empty containers accumulated at specific ports cannot only generate profit but also increase the environmental footprint. This research proposes a Maritime Empty Container Reposition Modelling Framework by integrating the agent-based modelling (ABM) paradigm to model the global movements of empty containers. An agent-based maritime logistic empty container redistribution model was developed to help minimize the total relevant costs for empty container movement in the planning horizon. In the system, ports, shipping companies, customers, and empty containers were identified as critical agents. Using simulated annealing (SA), shipping line agents were able to optimise empty container repositioning to determine the best sequence for moving containers. The model was applied to the Asia–Middle East region to simulate global empty containers repositioning in the region. The results comparison shows that the proposed optimised empty container repositioning framework can significantly reduce the shipping line’s costs and make full use of empty containers.