In a bid to streamline freight logistics and bolster resilience in Spain’s intermodal networks, a recent study has put forward a novel approach to hub location planning. Led by José Moyano Retamero of the Málaga Port Authority, the research, published in the ‘Journal of Marine Science and Engineering’ (or ‘Revista de Ciencias y Ingeniería Marítima’ in Spanish), tackles the complex task of optimizing port-hinterland connections, a critical aspect of modern supply chain management.
The study, titled “Optimizing Intermodal Port–Inland Hub Systems in Spain: A Capacitated Multiple-Allocation Model for Strategic and Sustainable Freight Planning,” introduces an enhanced hub location model. This model is grounded in the Capacitated Multiple-Allocation Hub Location Problem (CMAHLP), a sophisticated method that considers nonlinear cost structures, hub-specific operating costs, and adaptive capacity constraints. Notably, it also incorporates a feasibility condition based on the Social Net Present Value (NPVsocial), ensuring that the designed intermodal freight networks are not only efficient but also sustainable and socially responsible.
Spain’s strategic position between Asia, North Africa, and Europe makes it an ideal case study. The model focuses on four major ports—Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, and Algecirs—as intermodal gateways connected to the 47 provinces of peninsular Spain. By leveraging real distances and mode-specific road and rail costs, the study aims to create a robust and flexible freight network.
To evaluate the model, the researchers applied a Genetic Algorithm to assess 120 scenarios, varying the number of active hubs, transshipment discounts, and internal parameters. The most efficient configuration emerged after 300 generations, with specific settings for crossover and mutation rates. The results underscored the central role of cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, often accompanied by high-performance inland hubs such as Málaga, Córdoba, Jaén, Palencia, León, and Zaragoza.
The study also highlighted the strategic importance of cities with active ports like Cartagena, Seville, and Alicante. Their recurring presence in efficient network configurations emphasizes the need for strong logistical cohesion and operational resilience.
The research comes at a crucial time, as recent global disruptions like the COVID-19 crisis, the Suez Canal incident, and tensions in the Red Sea have exposed the fragility of traditional freight corridors. These challenges have drawn attention to southern Spain, particularly the Mediterranean and Andalusian axes, as viable alternatives offering geographic and intermodal advantages.
José Moyano Retamero emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “The contribution of southern hubs gains further support through strong system-wide performance indicators such as entropy, cluster diversity, and Pareto efficiency.” He added, “This allows for the assessment of spatial balance, structural robustness, and optimal trade-offs in intermodal freight planning.”
For maritime professionals, the study presents valuable insights and opportunities. The enhanced hub location model can guide strategic planning, improving efficiency and resilience in freight networks. Moreover, the emphasis on southern hubs and their coordination with North African partners points to a promising future for the Euro–Maghreb logistics interface.
As the maritime sector continues to evolve, such research is instrumental in shaping sustainable and efficient freight planning strategies. By integrating advanced models and considering socio-environmental factors, the industry can navigate the challenges of the 21st century with greater agility and resilience.