Abstract:

Based on the inventory theory,we propose to set a threshold value（D，U）in a port.Therefore,when the number of empty containers at the port is less than D,keep transporting the empty containers to the port until its amount grew to D,but transport the redundant empty containers  away from the port when their number  are greater than U. We establish two cost calculation models for threshold value(D,U) setted case and not setted case with the total cost of empty containers of a sea route as a target function. We further compare the differences between two models. We calculate the total cost of a voyage for the two models by simulation. We eventually obtain the advantage of threshold (D,U) setting and analyze its sensitivity. Calculation results show that the policy corresponding to threshold (D,U) setting can significantly reduce the total cost of a voyage.

Key words: empty container, threshold value, simulation, sensitivity analysis