A B S T R A C TPort selection is an intrinsic supply-chain problem that has substantial impact on development of local economies. Shipping business environment developed into complex system where decision making is derived from uncertain and incomplete data. In this study we present a conceptual integrated Multi-Criteria decision solution to transshipment port selection problem based on Best-Worst MCdM and Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm. Through literature review and expert analysis, 50 relevant criteria have been identified as relevant to the transshipment port selection problem. decision makers within liner shipping companies evaluate transshipment port selection criteria and establish ranking that is used to determine crisp solution with lowest consistency ratio. ABC based algorithm is used to reduce computational complexity and deliver a single optimal solution by solving both objective and constraint violation functions.

This study presents enhanced collision detection model in a Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) area. The proposed detection method of collision situations is based on the assumption that VTS station is provided with passage plans of all the vessels in a monitored area. By using an early detection model for prediction of possible collision situations, VTS stations could switch from the area-monitoring concept to the passage-monitoring system. An early detection model of collision risks in a VTS area uses vessels’ dynamic characteristics as inputs (vessels’ position, course over ground and speed), and delivers prediction of their future positions as output. In order to achieve the desired accuracy, the model takes into the account the intended course alterations and the impending environmental loads. The model is able to provide the outputs as early as the passage plans are submitted to a VTS monitored area. Hence, when discussing model’s capability for early detection of collision situations, improved VTS operating standards could be developed in order to achieve safer passages through enhanced collision avoidance strategies. Simulation results clearly show the advantages of the proposed model as a decision support tool for a VTS operator when combining passage plans with the analysis of environmental loads.