LNG Supply Chain Optimization

The importance of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an energy source is increasing, and the demand is greater then ever. We are analyzing the LNG supply chain from liquefaction to regasification. We consider both the routing and scheduling of LNG tankers between liquefaction plants and regasification terminals and the inventory management at these plants and terminals. The production and consumption of LNG is dynamic through the planning horizon. The problem is solved by a column generation solution approach. Numerical results and comparisons with a MIP version of the problem will be given.