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• A comprehensive comparative empirical analysis on the container shipping network. • Supported by extensive datasets, incorporates the latest development on river basin. • Combine descriptive and explanatory analysis from interdisciplinary approaches. • A large diversity exists in how inland port systems development. The formation of barge networks on rivers and associated inland port systems is subject to a complex set of influencing factors and mechanisms. This paper aims to present a comprehensive comparative empirical analysis focusing on the container shipping (barge) network in the Yangtze and the Rhine. This analysis is supported by extensive datasets on both river basins, incorporates the latest development on both rivers and is grounded on concepts and methods coming from transport geography and economic geography. We find that a large diversity might exist in how inland port systems and related gateway seaports are dealing with cargo flows and supply chains. In view of explaining this diversity, we make a distinction between geographical/nautical aspects, macro-economic factors and institutional/governance factors. In particular, we discuss the role of institutional and governance factors in barge network development by using the concepts of selection, retention and variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We optimize shipping schedule for steel plants cluster alongside inland river. • The model considers timely demands of steel plants over multiple periods. • A MIP formulation and dynamic programming algorithm are developed. • We explore the iron ore trade volume under various scenarios. Abstract This paper aims to provide an optimal shipping schedule for steel-manufacturing plants cluster alongside the Yangtze River by developing a mixed integer programming formulation. The model takes into account the multi-layer shipping network on the Yangtze River, the dynamic iron ore price and transportation costs, and the timely demands of steel plants over multiple periods. By applying the proposed model to a real-world case, several interesting findings are observed, leading to further useful managerial insights. We also propose an exact solution approach based on a dynamic programming algorithm to a special case of this problem motivated by real-world practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly large, high-tonnage containerships are becoming a common sight on the Yangtze River, and the shipping network is being transformed accordingly. This paper reports the design of a hub-and-spoke network for a shipping company that is consistent with the characteristics of the Yangtze River. We first explore the economies of scale for container shipping by applying empirical data. Next, we propose a mixed-integer linear programming model, factoring in ship-operating and container-handling costs. We then conduct a numerical experiment and test the effectiveness of the model, and finally discuss the implications of hub-and-spoke shipping network design. The findings reported herein support the trends toward cargo concentration and port regionalization along the Yangtze River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]