| The design of intermodal port hinterland networks has not grasped the attention of the academic world as much as it has of the business world. There are several business examples that provide e cient, cost effective and sustainable solutions in container transport within the hinterland according to the Dry port and Extended Gate concepts while to the best of our knowledge the scienti c contributions that incorporate and model such concepts are limited. In recent years there is a vast increase in the number of intermodal inland terminals or dryports that could facilitate the use of alternative sustainable transport modes like barge and rail, from seaports to the hinterland. Moreover, all actors in the supply chain strive for better connectivity of the seaport terminals with the hinterland, a factor that also determines, among others, the competitive position of seaport container terminals. We look at the container transport network design from a different perspective; the network operator perspective. In this report, our research direction is proposed which is related to special issues in port-hinterland container transport. In particular, a literature review is presented through the report, two quantitative modelling directions are proposed and a preliminary case study is developed. |
