Applications of operations research in sea-land intermodal transportation

Abstract

Operations research (OR), using algorithms or mathematical methods, has been widely used to aid optimal decisions making. Application of OR has been prevalent in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare services and transportation such as vehicle routing. Likewise, in a capital intensive sector like maritime, optimal decisions may lead to significant cost savings and improved customer services. This report aims to survey applications of OR in the maritime sector, specifically terminal operations. A case study on Port of Hong Kong is presented to illustrate the advantages OR has brought about. In addition, this report looks into a success story of an organisation that has applied OR in its operations.