Sustainable model of port-hinterland freight distribution network considering uncertainty: A case study of Iran

According to the significant role of ports, port-hinterland distribution networks considering various parameters have received much attention in recent years. Considering intermodal transport and the possibility of constructing new inland terminals where transportation mode changes, this paper aims to investigate the subject of port-hinterland freight distribution network. To this end, considering the volume of exported freight being delivered as well as imported freight received, a multi-objective intermodal model was developed for Iran as our case study. In this model, it was assumed that in addition to the existing railway and road routes in the country, new railway and road routes could be constructed, as well. The first objective function involves minimizing the cost of transportation and the cost of constructing an inland terminal. The second objective function involves minimizing CO2 released during freight transport. A certain model for the problem was described first and then, uncertainty in the amount of import demand and export supply was considered. A robust modeling approach was employed. Therefore, data of the goods imported from or exported to Iran were collected and solved using the robust model in GAMS software; then, the results were analyzed and investigated. (c) 2023 Sharif University of Technology. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Given the significant role of ports, port-hinterland distribution networks have been widely studied in recent years. This paper focuses on investigating the subject of port-hinterland freight distribution network, taking Iran as a case study. The study develops a multi-objective intermodal model considering the volume of exported and imported freight, with the objective of minimizing transportation costs, construction costs, and CO2 emissions. A robust modeling approach is used to account for uncertainty in import demand and export supply. The results are analyzed and investigated based on data collected for goods imported to and exported from Iran, using the robust model in GAMS software. (c) 2023 Sharif University of Technology. All rights reserved.