The dynamic programming model for optimal allocation of laden shipping containers to Nigerian seaports

Author:

Amuji Harrison O.ORCID,Onwuegbuchunam Donatus EberechukwuORCID,Aponjolosun Moses O.ORCID,Okeke Kenneth O.,Mbachu Justice C.,Ojutalayo John F.

Abstract

In highly competitive shipping market environment, container network operators-Freight forwarders, shipping companies etc. are concerned about design, development and deployment of optimized allocation model to achieve cost savings through improved container storage yard operations, crane productivity, outbound container allocation/distribution to seaport terminals and hence reduction in ships’ waiting times. In this paper, we developed two models, the Dynamic programming model and optimal allocation policy (model), for the optimal allocation of units of outbound laden cargo containers of sizes: 20ft and 40ft to six (6) major seaports in Nigeria. The distributions of the laden containers were allocated as follows: Port-Harcourt, Tincan Island, Onne, and Calabar seaports were allocated with 1,064 units of stuffed containers each. Apapa seaport was allocated with 2,128 units of laden containers, and zero allocation was made to Warri seaport. These results were arrived at through the implementation of the optimal allocation policy. The zero units allocation made to Warri seaport could be attributed to poor shipper patronage and hence the low frequency of ship visits. Apapa seaport was allocated double the number of containers moved to the remaining ports because it attracted more shipper patronage and hence more ship visits. Hence, freight forwarding companies will be assured of cargo spaces and make more profit by allocating more containers. Policy implications of the developed models were discussed.

Publisher

Centre of Sociological Research, NGO

Subject

Rehabilitation,Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation,General Medicine

Cited by 4 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3