18 Improving Empty Container Logistics – Can it Avoid a Collapse in Container Transportation?

Since the introduction of the maritime container in the mid 1950's, liner shipping groups have migrated from inefficient traditional cargo handling techniques to large cellular vessels which can be seen at any of the world's major ports today. The use of the container improved intermodal productivity and allows for shorter point to point transit times. In addition, cargo damage is reduced. On one hand, shippers and carriers have benefited enormously. On the other hand, they are faced with increased operational complexity as well as a multitude of variable and fixed costs. Managing these is important in particular in situations with intense competition in turbulent financial times. Moreover, the increase of the container population as well as an increasing global trade imbalance resulted in accumulation of empty containers (or empties) in some major port areas and container shortage in other regions. In this paper we consider the problem of empty container management (ECM) / empty container transportation and discuss solution concepts to overcome parts of this situation.