New optimization models for empty container management

This thesis investigates the reasons why nowadays empty container repositioning represents a crucial issue for the shipping industry. Moreover, taking into account information collected through surveys and meetings with industrial experts, we provide a broad overview of current logistic practices for the management of empty containers in the context of international trade. We develop new optimization models in order to support shipping companies in dealing with empty container repositioning. We determine optimal repositioning plans within the time limits imposed by planning operations. Some optimization models have been tested on real data problems provided by a shipping company. These results show that it is possible to achieve significant savings in costs and times requested to determine repositioning plans