Hierarchical resource planning for shipping companies

The problem of resource management for a merchant fleet is addressed. The problem solution involves decisions on the purchase and use of ships in order to satisfy customers' demands. In particular, shipping companies employing their own ships are considered. These companies can maximize their profits on a highly competitive quality-sensitive market by optimizing the purchase and use of their resources (ships). Decision makers must maximize company profits by acting on the number and type of ships, shipping routes, type of service, and dates of sailing. A hierarchical model for the problem considered has been developed, and heuristic techniques which solve problems at different decision levels are described.