Abstract
This paper proposes different network structures for a real liner shipping company to serve demands
between Norwegian and European continental ports. The current practice of the shipping
company deploys a feeder network where all routes depart from the European port. We study the
impact of using a hub-and-spoke network that is composed of mother and daughter routes with
the possibility of splitting pickups and deliveries. Computational studies carried out on problem
instances based on realistic data show that significant cost reductions can in several cases be
obtained by including the proposed network structure.
between Norwegian and European continental ports. The current practice of the shipping
company deploys a feeder network where all routes depart from the European port. We study the
impact of using a hub-and-spoke network that is composed of mother and daughter routes with
the possibility of splitting pickups and deliveries. Computational studies carried out on problem
instances based on realistic data show that significant cost reductions can in several cases be
obtained by including the proposed network structure.