Challenges and Optimization in Liner Shipping Network Design: A Systematic Mapping and Future Research Agenda

ABSTRACT: The Liner Shipping Network Design (LSND) is crucial for global maritime efficiency; however, the field faces persistent trade-offs driven by escalating fuel costs, complex network demands, and geographical challenges. This paper conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to explore how existing studies have addressed these challenges through diverse optimization strategies. Using the PRISMA approach, 119 peer-reviewed articles were reviewed and systematically mapped across several key dimensions: decision levels (strategic, tactical, and operational), problem areas (shore-based and sea-based), service patterns (simple, pendulum, butterfly, complex, and asymmetric), optimization approaches, and physical constraints. The analysis shows that while mathematical programming, heuristics, metaheuristics, and hybrid models are widely applied, their performance and applicability vary across different case studies. Strategic-level studies on network design and fleet deployment dominate the existing research, whereas service patterns such as butterfly and asymmetric networks remain underexplored despite their operational relevance for regions facing trade imbalances. This review contributes to developing the links between optimization methods and specific LSND challenges. It proposes a future research agenda that emphasizes uncertainty factors, green policy integration, and cooperative network design, particularly relevant for developing adaptive and sustainable systems in complex archipelagic or inter-regional contexts. By doing so, it provides a clearer understanding of the field landscape and outlines potential pathways for advancing adaptive and sustainable shipping network optimization.

KEYWORDS: Safety and Security in Sea Transportation, Decision Support System (DSS), Optimization, Methods and Algorithms, Maritime Logistics, Pollution and Environment Protection, Marine Transportation Systems, Ships Routeing and Vessel Traffic Services

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Citation note:

Kumalasari S.D., Komarudin K., Moeis A.O.: Challenges and Optimization in Liner Shipping Network Design: A Systematic Mapping and Future Research Agenda. TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, Vol. 20, No. 2, doi:10.12716/1001.20.02.17, pp. 431-447, 2026

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Silvia Dewi Kumalasari: ORCID iD icon

orcid.org/0009-0006-4051-9589 Scopus icon

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K. Komarudin:

Armand Omar Moeis: ORCID iD icon

orcid.org/0000-0001-7153-6791 Scopus icon

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