Port of Brisbane
Project name:
Economic Analysis of Horizontal and Vertical Integration of Logistics Actors
UQ investigators:
- Dr Elnaz Irannezhad
- Prof Carlo Prato
As the primary interface in the import-export industry, ports can play an important role to reduce the inefficiencies in supply chains by providing a concerted and coordinated logistics solution, affect positively the end-users, and thus have a direct influence on the wider economy.
This information sharing can be provided via an online system called “Business Intelligence” or so-called Port Community system (PCS), where information becomes available to freight actors in a multi-level system. The applications of a PCS have evolved during the recent years from serving as an information hub to generating value-added logistics solutions (through so-called Decision Support System), while the main objective remains encouraging horizontal and vertical integration among freight agents.
The freight agents’ decision on cooperation depends on their gains resulted from economies of scale and scope in a dynamic market. In this study we developed a scenario-based simulation model of horizontal and vertical integration through PCS. This model is a prototype of an intelligent decision support system of PCS to support optimised logistics decisions, decrease costs associated with distance and time, diminish empty container repositioning and costs, and reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
Project name:
Econometric modelling of the joint decisions of using transport yards and dwell time
UQ investigators:
- Dr Elnaz Irannezhad
- Prof Carlo Prato
As maritime containerised trade continues to grow, the role of transport yards (TY) in improving the efficiency of logistics operations becomes paramount. The Port of Brisbane needs to understand how freight agents (importers, exporters, shipping lines, carriers, and transhipment agents) manage their supply chains as well as understand what behaviours lies behind their logistics decisions for example using TYs. This will assist the port in making informed decisions about infrastructure investments that are necessary to facilitate smoother and potentially cheaper supply and logistic chains for freight agents.
Making use of econometric models, the choice of transhipment via transport yard in inland import/export logistics alongside the choice of dwell time were studied. In this study, we explored the factors which are determinant of the decision of using TYs and dwell time. Results emphasised the role of time of day, type of day, location of importers and exporters, commodity type, and land use distribution in terms of businesses and distribution centres.
Contact:
For more information about these and other projects please contact