Optimisation of the LNG supply chain: a literature overview

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is playing a prominent role in current global maritime transport and port operations. The industry, in which a wide range of agents are involved, is expanding rapidly. However, applied research into LNG operations research (OR) is still in its infancy. The goal of this investigation is to assess the literature that deals with OR LNG logistics chains. Existing studies fall into two groups: those that consider pricing as the most important factor; and those that focus on the inventory and routing problem (IRP) and the routing and scheduling problem (RSP). Our review of the literature reveals that there are seven emergent areas of research which are linked to the use of new programming paradigms, the introduction of climate factors and possible changes in trade flow patterns caused by factors such as the widening of the Panama Canal or the opening of the Arctic Bridge.