Strategic allocation of sealift: a GAMS-Based Integer programming approach.

Abstract

This study develops a prototype model which can be used to allocate strategic sealift resources in crisis deployments. The first part of the model is a GAMS-Based Integer Program that extends a classic network flow optimization model developed by Dantzig and Fulkerson. The second part uses a Fortran program to convert the GAMS output into ship schedules. Using intelligent reduction methods, the formulation reduces the number of constraints by 60-70% and the number of variables and nonzero elements in the matrix by 90-99%. Results of this study indicate integer programming with these reduction methods is a viable alternative to modelling sealift as continuous flow variables.