Modelling green multimodal transport route performance with Witness simulation software

Abstract This study proposes an approach for dynamically calculating multimodal transport line parameters based on a "Witness" software simulation. The approach is designed to reduce the carbon emissions of multimodal transport, as green transportation has recently received increased attention. A multi-objective multimodal transport efficiency evaluation framework is combined with an order relation analysis and an entropy-weight fuzzy analytical hierarchy process method to assess route performance under various multimodal transport schemes. This study validated the proposed approach using the China-Europe railway network from Wuhan, China to Berlin, Germany. The results are as follows: (1) the energy conservation and emission reduction values of a multimodal transport scheme fluctuate significantly, and it is scientifically appropriate to increase the energy conservation and emission reduction values as the indexes for scheme planning; (2) a multi-objective and multi-scenario efficiency evaluation method can provide a solution for green multi-modal transport route planning, and can reduce energy usage and emissions by 24% as compared to an optimal routing considering a single objective; and 3) the China-Europe railway express has unique advantages in a multi-modal transport network, as it can save more than 60% of the transport time and reduce the carbon emissions by 40% as compared with a traditional water transport. This study presents a green multi-modal transport organization approach.