Modelling green multimodal transport route performance with witness simulation software

This study proposes an approach for dynamically calculating multimodal transport line parameters based on a “Witness” software simulation. The approach is designed to reduce the carbon emissions of multimodal transport, as green transportation has recently received increased attention. A multi-objective multimodal transport efficiency evaluation framework is combined with an order relation analysis and an entropy-weight fuzzy analytical hierarchy process method to assess route performance under various multimodal transport schemes. This study validated the proposed approach using the China-Europe railway network from Wuhan, China to Berlin, Germany. The results are as follows: (1) the energy conservation and emission reduction values of a multimodal transport scheme fluctuate significantly, and it is scientifically appropriate to increase the energy conservation and emission reduction values as the indexes for scheme planning; (2) a multi-objective and multi-scenario efficiency evaluation method can provide a solution for green multi-modal transport route planning, and can reduce energy usage and emissions by 24% as compared to an optimal routing considering a single objective; and 3) the China-Europe railway express has unique advantages in a multi-modal transport network, as it can save more than 60% of the transport time and reduce the carbon emissions by 40% as compared with a traditional water transport. This study presents a green multi-modal transport organization approach. •Optimal planning of scheme can promote the development of green transportation.•Carbon emission and energy consumption are selected as transport evaluation indexes.•Witness can simulate the calculation of multimodal transport parameters.•Sensitivity analysis indicates significant differences among the green indexes.