Jing-Jin-Ji Air-Rail Intermodality System Study Based on Beijing New Airport

After the completion of Beijing New Airport, air-rail intermodality will become an important means of internal and external links in Jing-Jin-Ji Region. Jing-Jin-Ji Air-Rail Intermodality System is built and 7 sub-systems are divided based on user demand analysis. Refer to the passenger process, the business process of the system is planned and the sub-systems are described using data flow diagram. The system provides theoretical support for the development of air-rail intermodal in Jing-Jin-Ji region.

Urban Freight Consolidation Model for Post-Hauler Planning

Freight transportation in urban areas has increased significantly in a shorter period due to the widespread use of e-commerce, fast delivery, and population growth. Recently, a noticeable government initiative aimed at creating an effective, acceptable, and sustainable city logistics policy. This paper examines freight consolidation as a transportation strategy for optimizing last-mile delivery costs. Freight consolidation involves combining smaller shipments from various origins into a single, larger shipment for more efficient transportation to a common destination. This approach is particularly beneficial for last-mile delivery, where frequent deliveries of smaller quantities are frequently visible. Finally, we provide an illustrative example targeting urban freight stakeholders for practicing possible consolidation methodology. The result in the illustrative example shows that freight with 3-day consolidation, despite the delay penalty, is cheaper than daily shipping, and both are cheaper than 2-day consolidated shipping. The study will benefit urban businesses and freight services.

Modelling Dry Port Systems in the Framework of Inland Waterway Container Terminals

Overcoming the global sustainability challenges of logistics requires applying solutions that minimize the negative effects of logistics activities.The most efficient way of doing so is through intermodal transportation(IT).Current IT systems rely mostly on road,rail,and sea transport,not inland waterway transport.Developing dry port(DP)terminals has been proven as a sustainable means of promoting and utilizing IT in the hinterland of seaport container terminals.Conventional DP systems consolidate container flows from/to seaports and integrate road and rail transportation modes in the hinterland which improves the sustainability of the whole logistics system.In this article,to extend literature on the sustainable development of different categories of IT terminals,especially DPs,and their varying roles,we examine the possibility of developing DP terminals within the framework of inland waterway container terminals(IWCTs).Establishing combined road–rail–inland waterway transport for observed container flows is expected to make the IT systems sustainable.As such,this article is the first to address the modelling of such DP systems.After mathematically formulating the problem of modelling DP systems,which entailed determining the number and location of DP terminals for IWCTs,their capacity,and their allocation of container flows,we solved the problem with a hybrid metaheuristic model based on the Bee Colony Optimisation(BCO)algorithmand themeasurement of alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution(i.e.,MARCOS)multi-criteria decision-making method.The results from our case study of the Danube region suggest that planning and developingDP terminals in the framework of IWCTs can indeed be sustainable,as well as contribute to the development of logistics networks,the regionalisation of river ports,and the geographic expansion of their hinterlands.Thus,the main contributions of this article are in proposing a novel DP concept variant,mathematically formulating the problems of its modelling,and developing an encompassing hybrid metaheuristic approach for treating the complex nature of the problem adequately.

Possible Sustainability of Intermodal Transportation in Africa

The lack of adequate and modern transport infrastructures makes the cost of transport in Africa higher than the rest of the world. Most of the transport infrastructures that exist were constructed during the colonial era which makes inter-regional connectivity difficult. The African Union in collaboration with other organization has committed to bridge the transport gap in Africa but still, face some challenges. This paper discusses the main issues that contribute for the weak nature of transportation in Sub-Saharan Africa with regards to the main transport modes and seeks to establish the possibility of sustainable intermodal transport through the integration of the different transport modes. Some policy reforms and other bilateral agreements such as deregulating the transport markets in West and Central Africa have been suggested to facilitate the development of an effective and efficient transport network in the Sub-Saharan African region.

Developing Large-Scale Dry Ports—The Case of Arriyadh

The purpose of this paper is to explore the development process of a large scale dry port and to analyse what measures and actions are needed in order to support the decision making process and ensure an effective and efficient dry port that serves the City and the region’s current and future needs. The purpose is explored in the context of Saudi Arabiaand the city ofArriyadh. Key issues identified related to the dry port development are long term planning and crosssector collaboration. The interconnection between the dry port and the overall transport system and aspects, such as location of business, city logistics, road and rail infrastructure, local, regional and national regulations, etc., is strong. This puts challenge on the coordination and alignment of the different organizations, their strategies and objectives. In a complex situation, such as developing a dry port with many stakeholders, it is crucial that the roles of all actors are clearly defined. This is essential for utilizing the dry port as a regional tool for planning. In that regard, it is appropriate that the site location decision is clearly connected with an overall city freight vision and strategy.

High-Capacity Transport Associated with Pre- and Post-Haulage in Intermodal Road-Rail Transport

This paper develops a model for analyzing the potential of longer and heavier vehicles (LHVs) related to pre- and post-haulage in the intermodal rail-road transport chain (IRT). The paper considers the combined economic and emission costs among three different transport networks including intermodal rail-road transport with current Swedish regulatory framework for trucks, intermodal rail-road transport with LHVs, and direct-road transport. The objective is to analyse the potential of high-capacity transport associated with pre- and post-haulage for enhancing the competitiveness of intermodal transport from a full-costs perspective. The model developed is applied to a Swedish context and case study. Research findings reveal that the break-even of the IRT compared to the direct road transport could be significantly lowered, which suggests the LHVs contribute to exploring the market of IRT over smaller flows.

Switching Dynamic Analysis for Twin-Core Fibre Coupler Using Supermode Theory

Characteristics of optical switching in a twin-core fibre coupler are numerically analysed under short pulse input by using supermode theory. The dynamic nonlinear coupled superlnode equations are derived, The numerical results show that the input pulse width determines the power transfer and the pulse temporal profile in the output ports. The optimal switching characteristics can be obtained by selecting an appropriate initial pulse width. In addition, the switching characteristic curves are insensitive to the input pulse shape for either fundamental soliton pulse or Gaussian pulse input, but sensitive to pulse sharpness. A reduced switching power and a sharper switching transition can be obtained by using the sharp super-Gaussian pulse.

A Web Based Decision Support System for Intermodal Port and Dry Port Facilities

This paper presents a Web-based Decision Support System (Web-DSS) that was designed and developed to support and provide suggestions on the procedures taking place between a port and a dry port, which have to collaborate, work concurrently and optimize their joint operation. The system operates at the highest hierarchical level supervising a number of different components dealing with three different time scale horizons so as to provide assistance at operational, tactical and strategic level. The Web-based DSS coordinates and integrates the subsystems operating at lower levels and it interfaces with all the involved actors: customers, suppliers, relevant authorities so as to receive all the necessary information to come up with “optimal” suggestions and decisions. In this paper, the overall architecture is presented and the individual modules are described.

Development Process of Intermodal Transport Solutions: The Case of Dedicated Solutions Based on Large Shippers’ Volumes

The objective of this paper is to create a process view of the development of intermodal transport solution from the basic idea to implementation. Special case of dedicated solutions based on large shippers’ volumes is chosen, where the shippers engage in the development process of the new solutions. Research is conducted using a qualitative approach: multiple case studies. Empirical data has been obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews with relevant respondents involved in the development projects. Shippers’ perspective on the development process is studied. Development process can be described through a generic four-stage process: Initiation, Planning, Implementation, and Further Development. Different actors and different resources are required at the different stages. The complex process of establishing new intermodal solutions has lacked attention in the intermodal research. Understanding and improving the development process of new intermodal solutions is considered to have an important effect on the viability of intermodal transport and can help to understand the barriers that prevent companies from switching to intermodal. Development process of new dedicated intermodal solutions is a gradual process of building up the transport solution in a continuous interaction between shippers and transport service providers. Research has focused on the shipper perspective on inter-modal transport, showing that switching to an intermodal transport is not simply a mode choice issue, but involves a transition process that takes time, demands resources, cooperation/coordination between multiple parties, may require changes in the supply chain beyond the transport link, involves multiple actors, and involves an industry that is itself in a process of change.

Intermodal Terminal Localisation Using a Linear Programming Approach: The Case Study of Togo and West African Landlocked Countries

In this paper, four potential cities to host an intermodal terminal for containers flowing through the Togolese transport corridor are examined. The transport cost minimization through the corridor is the main objective. Consequently, the transport modes that offer the least cost to the transport supply chain are proposed. To attain this goal the paper aims to identify the optimal location for an intermodal terminal on the Togolese corridor, by using the mathematical linear programming model. For this, three transport scenarios are analyzed, the rail, the road, and the combination of these two transport modes to each of the landlocked countries (LLCs) capital cities of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Data of the average transport cost per mode, the cargo demand of the LLCs, and the distances from origin to destinations are input in the LINGO software. Based on the optimization results, we find that among the preselected terminals, the city of Mango located at 550 km in the northern part of the country is the optimal host location for an intermodal terminal along the Togolese corridor. The results of this study may be helpful to transport policy makers in the quest of rendering better servicing to the landlocked countries.

Terminal Location Models for Intermodal Transport Network Optimization

Since rail-road transport uses road and rail networks and requires the transshipment infrastructures at the terminals, its competitiveness depends not only on the costs but also on the location of these terminals. This paper focused on providing a methodology for determining the optimal locations for intermodal freight transportation terminals in consolidation network. The goal is to minimize total costs in order to increase the efficiency of the transportation system. This paper also has allowed us to have an overview of the methods and models that exist for solving the problem of intermodal and terminal locating.

Hinterland Intermodal Freight Flow Optimization for Ports Competition Evidence of West Africa ECOWAS Region

Major problem considered in this study was the intermodal routing problem of regional freight transportation in West Africa ECOWAS (Economic Community Of West Africa States), which can be defined as the problem of determining the freight flow quantity, the transportation mode in each transit corridor while satisfying the freight demand at each West Africa transit country (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger). The objective was to minimize in land transportation costs. In order to solve optimally and represent the problem, this research employed a linear programming model. The model was solved using Lingo Mathematic Application. The model results showed that port oriented freight logistics in west Africa ECOWAS region do not flow along optimal path and such incur longer time and higher logistics cost than is geographically necessary.

Rail-Road Hinterland Intermodal Terminal Location in West Africa Region—Case Study of Corridor Port of Abidjan to Ouagadougou-Bamako

Efficient and effective movement of goods is very critical in today’s competitive environment especially for developing countries suffering from crippling logistics costs which limit their competitive ability in the global economy. Putting in place an optimal logistics network design offers great potential for logistics cost reduction and service quality improvement [1]. Therefore, this paper presents a model for effective integration of inland intermodal terminal into logistics network. The model simultaneously determines the number and location of inland terminals in network that minimize the total cost of freight flow to hinterland. The model uses Abidjan port in Cote d’Ivoire as the case study for solving numeric examples. The problem will be formulated in the case of a rail-road network where post-routing is done by road and rail link between terminal. We present a linear optimization model which is implemented using LINGO Mathematical Modeling Language.

Data Envelopment Analysis Model for Assessment of Safety and Security of Intermodal Transportation Facilities

Following September 11, 2001, numerous security policies have been created which have caused a number of unique challenges in planning for transportation networks. Transportation policy and funding to improve the transportation infrastructure has historically been addressed as individual modes not as intermodal transportation. As a consequence of this inopportune allocation, it is now apparent that the transportation modes are disconnected and have unequal levels of security and efficiency. Improved intermodal connectivity has therefore been identified as one of the main challenges to achieve a safer, secure, and productive transportation network. Tools need to be refined for collaboration and consensus building to serve as catalysts for efficient transportation solutions. In this study, a mathematical model using data envelopment analysis (DEA) was developed and investigated to assess the safety and security of intermodal transportation facilities. The model identifies the best and worst performers by assessing several safety and security-related variables. The DEA model can assess the efficiency level of safety and security of intermodal facilities and identify potential solutions for improvement. The DEA methodology presented is general in its framework and can be applied to any network of intermodal transportation systems. Availability of credible data, complemented with DEA methodology will help in management decisions making concrete safety and security decisions for intermodal transportation facilities.

The Hub Status and Transportation Network of Kribi Port

In this paper, a study on four African ports was taken out that all have the ca-pability to become a hub port that can serve the central African region. The paper sort to determine which port was most suitable and port indexing was the method that was used to evaluate these ports. The ports evaluated were the port of Kribi, the port of Bata, the port of Libreville and the port of Pointe-Noire. There were other models that were also used which included linear regression and linear programming which all contributed to providing the final results of the port with the most suitable potential to serve as a hub port and meaningful results were obtained. The final results showed that the port of Pointe-Noire was the most suitable port to serve the central African region as a hub port.

Efficient Fuel Handling and Management in Port:Context Bangladesh

In the last two decades,the supply and demand of fuel in Bangladesh increased enormously because of her economic growth.Likewise,energy and power require helping the industry and basic supplies to the citizens.Recent development of electric power industry,is essential to arrange the necessary facilities at seaport and its further transportation to the consignee premises by applying JIT(just-in-time)approach inevitably.Driven in particular,innovation is required in the prime ports Chittagong and Mongla,what’s more,in newly established Payra port.In addition,regional demand especially from Nepal,Bhutan and Seven Sisters of India for importing fuel through Bangladeshi seaports or pertaining intermodal freight transportation of containerized fuel or tanktainer that cloaked up the derived demand of increasing seaport facilitates in Bangladesh.Another factor that will influence the importing and handling of fuel is the environmental compliance and stringent environmental regulations enacted by IMO(International Maritime Organization),hereby,necessary steps to be taken by port authority or government accordingly.Emerging opportunities,in addition to traditional fuel management at port,coal,LPG(liquefied petroleum gas)and LNG(liquefied natural gas)are the new products for Bangladesh and its neighbors as growing demand of receiving in Bangladeshi ports in a big volume progressively.This paper aims to explore the role of port authorities in the process of developing port and intermodal infrastructure and others to mitigate the uprising demand of fuel handling in port protected area and quick transfer of fuel to the final destination.

A Life Cycle Cost Analysis Model of Goods Movement for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region

In this article,a total life cycle cost analysis(LCCA)was developed covering two transportation systems:trucking and railway within the Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC)region.GCC region is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consists of six countries(Saudi Arabia,Kuwait,the United Arab Emirates,Qatar,Bahrain,and Oman).In general and based on statistics,the GCC regional economy is expected to grow due to the increase in aggregate supply and demand.So,there is a need to build a solid foundation of transportation systems that can help in transforming this region into a logistics hub.Therefore,different analysis was discussed in order to be able to select more reliable and appropriate mode of shipping between the GCC.Beside the main cost factors that which includes the capital,operational,maintenance and depreciation costs.Other factors such as,border delays,emissions,noise and safety factors were added to the analysis.The results show that,shipping using trucking system can be cheaper when shipping commodities between the GCC region,but at the same time considering border delays and emission produced,railways and intermodal modal systems prove to be more reliable.Moreover,shipping bulk commodities favor the rail and intermodal systems due to the payload capacity besides the flexibility of finding the most efficient way to move the shipments between origin and destinations.

The Role of Short Sea Shipping Concept in Black SeaRegion as a Connection between Eurasian TransportSystems

Despite of fluctuations in world trade as a result of economic cycles,the evolution of the political processes remains the trend of sustained growth of trade flows.This ends up in a rise in both the demand for logistics services and the requirements for them.In this sense,the critically important is the strategic development of the transport systems as a support for the improvement of competitive logistics.An important aspect is the promotion of multimodal transport,which in search of the best transport solutions will reduce the use of relatively expensive and environmentally unfriendly road transportation.This will be at the expense of the efficient combination of different modes in which the concept of short sea shipping(SSS)occupies a central place.Although this concept is widely applied in many places in the Black Sea,it still has significant potential.It was prompted by stagnation in economic relations as a result of political and economic crises in the region since the late twentieth and early twenty-first century.To evaluate the potential of the concept in the development of transport is done research on intermodal logistics network in the logistics corridor Central Asia-Central Europe.To optimize intermodal transport links a comparative analysis of the various transport alternatives on the route Tehran-Budapest is done.On this basis it is made optimization assessment on three main criteria cost,delivery time and environmental protection and basic recommendations on strategic planning development of the Bulgarian transport infrastructure are given.An essential aspect is the encouragement of multimodal transportation,which in looking for the best transport solutions can cut back the utilization of comparatively costly and environmentally harmful road transportation.This would be at the expense of the adequate combination of different modes of transportation in which the concept of SSS has a fundamental area.Despite this concept is widely applied in various regions,in the Black Sea it still has an important future due to stagnation in economic relations as a result of political confrontations and economic crises within the region since the late twentieth and early twenty-first century.To assess the capability of the concept in the development of transport is done research on intermodal logistics network in the logistics corridor Central Asia-Central Europe.To improve intermodal transport links a comparative analysis of the various transport options on the routes Astana-Budapest and Tehran-Budapest are made.On this basis it is proposed an optimization assessment on three main criteria cost,delivery time and environmental protection,and fundamental suggestions on strategic development of the Bulgarian transport infrastructure are proposed.

Efficient Fuel Handling and Management in Port:Context Bangladesh

In the last two decades,the supply and demand of fuel in Bangladesh increased enormously because of her economic growth.Likewise,energy and power require helping the industry and basic supplies to the citizens.Recent development of electric power industry,it is essential to arrange the necessary facilities at seaport and its further transportation to the consignee premises by applying Just-In-Time(JIT)approach inevitably.Driven in particular,innovation is required in the prime ports Chittagong and Mongla,what’s more,in newly established Payra port.In addition,regional demand especially from Nepal,Bhutan and Seven Sisters of India for importing fuel through Bangladeshi seaports or pertaining intermodal freight transportation of containerized fuel or tanktainer that cloaked up the derived demand of increasing seaport facilitates in Bangladesh.Another factor that will influence the importing and handling of fuel is the environmental compliance and stringent environmental regulations enacted by IMO,hereby,necessary steps to be taken by port authority or government accordingly.Emerging opportunities,in addition to traditional fuel management at port,coal,LPG and LNG are the new products for Bangladesh and its neighbors as growing demand of receiving in Bangladeshi ports in a big volume progressively.This paper aims to explore the role of port authorities in the process of developing port and intermodal infrastructure and others to mitigate the uprising demand of fuel handling in port protected area and quick transfer of fuel to the final destination.

Marine turtle hatchlings use multiple sensory cues to orient their crawling towards the sea:biological and conservation policy implications

The ability of sea turtle hatchlings to find the seashore soon after hatching is thought to be exclusively dependent upon visual information. Target-oriented movements in most vertebrates, however, relay on combining information gathered through different sensory systems. Hence, in this work, we investigated whether olfactory and/or magnetic information might complement visual cues during hatchling’s seaward crawling. Acute olfactory deprivation and distorted magnetic sensation in visually competent hatchlings resulted in a scattering of seaward crawling routes among cardinal points, some of them being different from those strongly preferred by control hatchlings. In addition, blindfolded hatchlings also displayed a striking misrouting while crawling on the beach surface in spite of having intact olfactory and magnetic senses. Together these results support the notion that visual information is crucial for seaward crawling, but also that olfactory and magnetic information complement visual cues when turtle hatchlings display this behavior. Hence, the present observations suggest that multisensory cues are used by turtle hatchlings while crawling towards the sea. This work also has important implications on the design of species conservation measures and policies. In the near future, efforts must be made to identify and preserve the local natural sources of odors and magnetic cues, in addition to preventing the perturbing effects of artificial lighting on adult and hatchling turtle crawling behavior.