Optimization Model for Container Liner Ship Scheduling Considering Disruption Risks and Carbon Emission Reduction

Abstract

In the context of economic globalization and the development of information networks, container liner transportation plays a crucial role in international trade. However, the inherent inflexibility of fixed schedules in liner operations poses challenges to the decarbonization of shipping and the stability of liner networks. Therefore, this paper focuses on the impact of port disruptions on route operations, develops a mixed integer nonlinear programming model considering fuel costs, recovery costs, and carbon emissions, and designs a hybrid evolutionary algorithm to solve the proposed model. The research findings indicate that scheduling strategies based on increased vessel speed, the adjustment of port calling sequences, and transshipment leasing after port skipping can effectively reduce the recovery costs after disruption events while meeting freight demand. When a disruption duration is less than 96 h, acceleration strategies and the adjustment of the port calling sequence are favorable choices. When the disruption duration exceeds 96 h, transshipment leasing after port skipping is a feasible solution to ensure the on-time delivery of cargo. The shifting of disrupted port position restricts the selection of scheduling strategies, particularly for ports located at the intersections of routes, which incur higher recovery costs. The implementation of carbon taxes affects the overall operating costs of liner companies, and an appropriate carbon tax level can constrain carbon emissions and ensure the sustainable development of the shipping industry.