Optimizing maritime travel time reliability

Abstract

Travel time reliability optimization problems generally cannot be formulated in direct mathematical form due to complexity of precise information. Classically, qualitative form of objective function and/or constraints does not allow the decision maker to represent it in a typical form of standard optimization model. This article attempts to resolve travel time reliability optimization problem of maritime transportation. The marine vessel's travel time consists of seven time components. The travel time reliability is considered in a possibilistic manner, and then the reliability optimization problem with budgetary constraints and stage-time limitations is formulated. Next, algorithmic framework for solution of the possibilistic programming has been proposed, followed by a suitable illustration. Finally, this article investigates the parameter sensitivity that has consequences in the marine vessel's transportation decision making. The proposed programming model is useful in the decision support system with regard to decision about the individual marine vessel's stage durations and their scheduling, as well as the optimal arrival time of the vessel at the destination harbor. © IMechE 2013.