An Overview of Empty Container Repositioning Studies and Research Opportunities

The imbalances in world trade also affect container traffic and lead to large differences in import and export rates of many locations. As a consequence of this, the surplus containers are repositioned to locations where they are required, which causes high costs. Many studies in the literature have addressed this issue from different aspects. This study examines the studies and trends in empty container repositioning (ECR) practices and reveals the missing research areas in the literature. It discusses the mathematical models developed in the literature and addresses real-life applications of the liner carriers. The study also emphasizes how the opportunities in technological development can be used in ECR practices and provides suggestions for research topics that can be studied in the light of current trends in container shipping. It exhibits the actors involved in ECR operations and discusses the strategies applied in liner shipping. The main purpose of the study is to put forward research and real-life application opportunities in the field of ECR.