MILP model for designing the intermodal inland terminals and seaports network: a case study

Resumen

This paper aims to propose a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model based on the typical hub location problem, which has been designed and used to propose an analysis for the intermodal inland terminals network design considering container seaports, their traffic and limited allocations. The main container freight flows from/to selected seaports and distances between provinces (with the support of a Geographic Information System) are considered. Estimated functions for road and railway transport costs are included, these being the required inputs to solve the problem. The model’s main objective is to reduce total transport costs through the optimal location of a set of inland terminals connected to seaports by railway. The problem has been successfully solved by using the Gurobi software, which allows an interesting analysis of inland terminals location and their area of influence.