Optimization of cargo transport with a view to cost efficient operation of container ship

We present a mathematical model addressing the problem of cargo transport by container ship on the selected route where a certain number of containers of various masses and types are chosen out of a total number of containers available in loading port in order to achieve maximum transport profitability, provided maximum payload and transport capacity of container ship. Since the profitability is an index of operation efficiency expressed as a fraction, a respective mathematical model can be solved using linear fractional programming. The model was tested on a real-life example of feeder ship "Lipa" owned by "Losinjska plovidba", Rijeka, operating on route Rijeka-Gioia Tauro.