The paper introduces a mixed integer programming model on the selection of a hub port in the East Coast of South America, among a set of 11 ports that are servicing the regional demand for container transportation. Ports in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay are considered, together with several origin/destination ports in the world. The model minimises total system costs, taking into account both port costs (dues and terminal handling charges) and shipping costs (feedering and mainline). In total, the model consists of 3,883 decision variables and 4,225 constraints. It turns up the port of Santos (Brazil) as the optimal single-hub solution, with the port of Buenos Aires (Argentina) as a close runner up. In addition, the model provides tentative estimates of improvements in demand and costs necessary to bring a certain port up to hub status. Despite some bold assumptions and limitations - mainly due to data availability - the model offers a straightforward decision tool to all ports in the world aspiring to achieve hub status and all that comes with it.

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doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.mel.9100121, hdl.handle.net/1765/70329
Maritime Economics and Logistics
Erasmus Research Institute of Management

Aversa, R., Botter, S., Haralambides, H., & Yoshizaki, H. T. Y. (2005). A mixed integer programming model on the location of a hub port in the East Coast of South America. Maritime Economics and Logistics, 7(1), 1–18. doi:10.1057/palgrave.mel.9100121