Sofoklis Dais

As ports evolve to meet sustainability targets, seamless coordination between road and rail operations becomes fundamental to success. This study addresses the Train Loading Planning Problem (TLPP) which focuses on assigning outbound containers to train wagons under slot, weight, and pattern constraints aiming to examine its broader systemic implications. A compact mixed-integer programming formulation is developed and enhanced through a column-generation approach that efficiently prices feasible wagon plans. The optimization module is embedded within a discrete-event simulation of terminal processes including yard handling, gate operations, and train timetables. The study tests a TLPP-based rail planning algorithm within a DES of terminal and hinterland operations to quantify the impact under realistic variability. Using operational data from the Port of Valencia, realistic planning scenarios are evaluated across varying demand mixes and train frequencies. Results indicate that integrating rail capacity with optimized wagon loading reduces set-up time by 20%, delivery lead time by 54%, container dwell time by 80%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 54% compared with a trucking forwarding baseline, while maintaining throughput and alleviating congestion at terminal gates and yards. From a computational perspective, the column-generation approach achieves improved runtimes to the compact MIP and scales linearly to the number of variables. The proposed framework delivers ready to use load plans and practical insights for the deployment of additional rail capacity, supporting sustainable logistics in port environments.

Establishing better system connectivity by linking disparate legacy systems and information silos across Europe has been at the center of research the past years. Concepts like service federation, interoperable logistics, data spaces and system unification highlight the significance of unifying systems and data by promoting system interoperability and compatibility. Although promising, these are still at conceptual level, while limited practical evidence has been provided at the moment. FENIX Federated Network established the first pan-European federated network of interoperable platforms as an enabler of B2B and B2A data exchange and sharing between transport and logistics platforms in Europe. Using the Operational Evaluation Measurement Framework, this paper measures the impact of FENIX Federated Network, used as enabler for end-to-end supply chain digitalization, to the operational performance of selected logistics operations across Europe. Notable outcomes include higher load factors, increase in modal shift for both road and rail operations, increase in delivery reliability, enhancement of the digitalization processes (digital document exchange, process automation), as well as important decreases in the operational externalities (CO2, NOx emissions) and the related process times (i.e., fulfillment, customs, turnaround, (un)loading, administration, automation, travel).

New supply chain governance models transform operations by establishing large-scale, intelligent infrastructures that merge, objects, data and business processes. Considering that supply chains are intricate structures encompassing multifaceted operations, evaluating the consequences of their digital transformation is imperative. System Federation has emerged as an enabler of interoperability and seamless data exchange in transport and logistics. The Federation is a promising concept that is still new and tested only in a few instances, while; its impact has yet to be measured substantially. This paper presents the impact of Federation on the performance of selected logistics operations in Greece and Italy. Using a mixed-methods approach, the assessment performed as part of the FENIX project, focusing on operational performance, cost-effectiveness and gap analysis, and impact assessment. Results showed that the Federation showed promising overall impact. Operational improvements ranged from better shipment visibility, shorter waiting times, faster deliveries, to less CO2 emissions. The most effective services were related to a higher visibility of shipments (Italy) and improved notification and exchange of customs documents (Greece). The gap analysis was successful showing that 100% of all reported gaps in Greece and 71% in Italy could be closed with the use of the Federation.

City logistics operations are significantly affected by the rapid expansion of electronic commerce (e-commerce). The pressure of the demand is being transferred to the last-mile distribution, disproportionately increasing the workload of service providers, while affecting the overall cost and fulfillment times for the entire supply chain. In this study, the expectations and demands of consumers and online retailers concerning city logistics provision are captured. A questionnaire survey carried out, addressing independently the two target groups focusing on the market routines in Thessaloniki, Greece. The purpose is to record and analyze the market needs to identify niche areas that are under-served, and their service will maximize sustainability and the overall benefit for the local users and the society. In general, it was recorded that delivery speed, reliability and flexibility are essential for both user categories. Service providers should focus on under-served market segments to gain competitive advantages and benefit the overall city logistics system. Specific suggestions for researchers and practitioners are also provided.