Hybrid algorithm for the optimization of multimodal freight transport services: Maritime application

Multimodal transportation is generally accepted as an efficient alternative to road transportation in terms of costs, fuel consumption, environmental externalities and road congestion. This work presents a novel optimization approach to the multimodal network design for freight transportation with applications to a case in Spain. Optimization is conducted in order to maximize the internal rate of return. Service utilization rates are evaluated by means of a parameterized model implemented in TransCAD.