Publication
Title
An assessment methodology for a modular terminal concept for container barging in seaports
Author
Abstract
Container transport via inland waterways currently faces several challenges affecting its competitiveness with other modes. These challenges include the high waiting time experienced by container barges and the low priority given to container barges in deepsea ports. To mitigate these challenges, a new concept known as the Modular Mobile Terminal (MMT) is introduced to create a dedicated floating barge handling and consolidation space for containers in deepsea ports. Based on this, the present study proposes an assessment methodology examining the feasibility of the MMT from a logistical and economic perspective. In doing this, a time optimization model was developed to determine the number of MMTs leading to the most time savings for container barges. It also helps target a market by finding the hinterland flows that can be positively linked to the MMTs. Afterward, an economic evaluation is conducted to determine the cost savings for the actors and determine under which conditions the actors would benefit from using the MMT system. The proposed methodology is then applied in a case study for the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam to derive insights into the efficiency and profitability of the MMTs. Results revealed that the MMTs would be most suitable for vessels transporting small cargo volumes below 60 Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). Furthermore, the analysis suggests that two MMTs would be optimal for the port of Antwerp, and four for the port of Rotterdam, to achieve an overall net benefit for all the actors. Thus, it can be concluded that the MMTs are most suitable for handling and consolidating cargoes from container barges with small call sizes.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Case studies on transport policy / WCTR Society. - Amsterdam, 2013, currens
Publication
Amsterdam : Elsevier , 2023
ISSN
2213-624X [print]
2213-6258 [online]
DOI
10.1016/J.CSTP.2023.101103
Volume/pages
14 (2023) , p. 1-16
Article Reference
101103
ISI
001097394300001
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Novel inland waterway transport concepts for moving freight effectively (NOVIMOVE).
IMEC-Novel inland waterway transport concepts for moving freight effectively (NOVIMOVE).
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 22.10.2023
Last edited 25.04.2024
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