Logistics management optimization in biotechnology: a multi-period model for Isotank transportation

Authors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47456/bjpe.v11i3.47969
Keywords:
Biotechnology, Investigación operativa, Isotank Transportation, Logistics Optimization
Abstract

Logistics management of isotank transport in a multinational biotechnology company presents significant challenges. The company, with operations in Brazil, uses precision fermentation with genetically modified yeasts to produce specific molecules. The transport of fermented extracts, which requires isotanks, must be optimized to minimize costs and improve the efficiency of the supply chain. This article presents a multiperiod optimization model to address these logistical challenges, using operational research techniques. The proposed model aims to optimize logistical operations and was validated with real data from the company's operations. The results show improvements in operational costs and supply chain responsiveness. The application of optimization models, adapted to the needs of biotechnology logistics, is highlighted, promoting improvements in logistical performance in similar industrial contexts.

Author Biographies
  1. Heitor Delivio Sanches Salinas, State University of Maringá

    -

  2. Lucas de Campos Soares, State University of Maringá

    -

  3. Isadora Prado Tavares, State University of Maringá

    -

  4. Mario Vinicio Garcia, State University of Maringá

    -

  5. Gislaine Camila Lapasini Leal, State University of Maringá

    -

  6. Rafael Henrique Palma Lima, Federal University of Technology of Paraná

    -

References

Aguilar, A., Twardowski, T., & Wohlgemuth, R. (2019). Bioeconomy for sustainable development. Biotechnology Journal, 14(8), 1800638. https://doi.org/10.1002/biot.201800638​.

Almeida, J. F. D. F., & Conceição, S. V. (2021). A decomposition approach for the two-stage stochastic supply network planning in light of the rolling horizon practice. Pesquisa Operacional, 41(s1), e234451. https://doi.org/10.1590/01017438.2021.041s1.00234451

Almeida, J. F. F., Conceição, S. V., Pinto, L. R., Oliveira, B. R. P., & Rodrigues, L. F. (2022). Optimal sales and operations planning for integrated steel industries. Annals of Operations Research, 315(2), 773–790. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-020-03928-7

Almeida, J. F. D. F., Conceição, S. V., Pinto, L. R., de Camargo, R. S., & Júnior, G. d. M. (2018). Flexibility evaluation of multiechelon supply chains. PLOS ONE, 13(3), e0194050. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194050

Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas. (2019). ABNT NBR ISO 22000:2019: Sistemas de gestão de segurança de alimentos — Requisitos para qualquer organização na cadeia produtiva de alimentos. Rio de Janeiro: ABNT.

Blanco, V., Hinojosa, Y., & Zavala, V. M. (2024). The waste-to-biomethane logistic problem: A mathematical optimization approach. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 12(22), 8453-8466. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c01429.

Bröring, S., Laibach, N., & Wustmans, M. (2020). Innovation types in the bioeconomy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 266, 121939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121939.

Bu, S. (2021). Logistics engineering optimization based on machine learning and artificial intelligence technology. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 40(2), 2505–2516. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-189244.

Büsing, C., Koster, A. M. C. A., & Schmitz, S. (2022). Robust minimum cost flow problem under consistent flow constraints. Annals of Operations Research, 312, 691-722. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-021-04426-0.

Curry, R. M., & Smith, J. C. (2021). Minimum-cost flow problems having arc-activation costs. Naval Research Logistics, 68(6), 585-605. https://doi.org/10.1002/nav.22006.

Faria, C. H. F., Almeida, J. F. F., & Pinto, L. R. (2024). Simulation–optimisation approach for sustainable planning of intermodal logistics in the Brazilian grain export industry. Decision Analytics Journal, 10, 100388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dajour.2023.100388

Glomb, L., Liers, F., & Rösel, F. (2022). A rolling-horizon approach for multi-period optimization. European Journal of Operational Research, 300(1), 189- 206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2021.07.043

Hu, C., Gao, Y., & Guo, E. (2024). A novel improved genetic algorithm for multi-period fractional programming portfolio optimization model in fuzzy environment. Mathematics, 12(11), 1694. https://doi.org/10.3390/math12111694

International Tank Container Organisation (ITCO). (2023). ITCO 2023 global fleet report: Growth and sustainability in the tank container industry (2013-2023). Recuperado de: https://www.international-tankcontainer.org/storage/uploads/ITCO_2023_Global_Fleet_Report.pdf.

ISO. (2019). ISO 1496-3:2019 - Series 1 freight containers — Specification and testing — Part 3: Tank containers for liquids, gases and pressurized dry bulk (5ª ed.). International Organization for Standardization. Recuperado de https://www.iso.org/standard/73655.html.

Krajewski, L., Ritzman, L. & Malhotra, M. (2009). Administração de Produção e operações – 8ª ed. Suplemento E, 505-523pp. São Paulo: Pearson.

LeMay, S., Helms, M. M., Kimball, B., & McMahon, D. (2017). Supply chain management: The elusive concept and definition. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 28(4), 1425–1453. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-10-2016-0232​.

Liguori, A., Formato, A., Pellegrino, A., & Villecco, F. (2021). Study of Tank Containers for Foodstuffs. Machines, 9(2), 44. https://doi.org/10.3390/machines9020044.

Nezhadroshan, A. M., Fathollahi-Fard, A. M., & Hajiaghaei-Keshteli, M. (2020). A scenario-based possibilistic-stochastic programming approach to address resilient humanitarian logistics considering travel time and resilience levels of facilities. International Journal of Systems Science: Operations & Logistics, 8(4), 321–347. https://doi.org/10.1080/23302674.2020.1769766.

Ogbe, E., Almansoori, A., Fowler, M., & Elkamel, A. (2023). Optimizing renewable injection in integrated natural gas pipeline networks using a multi-period programming approach. Energies, 16(6), 2631. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16062631.

Panayides, P. M., Lambertides, N., & Savva, C. S. (2018). The impact of corporate governance on internal control and logistics performance. International Journal of Logistics Management, 29(1), 68–87. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-02-2016-0036.

Purnamasari, D., Tuswan, T., Muttaqie, T., Sandjaja, I. E., Machfudin, A., Rizal, N., Rahadi, S. J. A., Sasmito, A., Zakki, A. F., & Mursid, O. (2024). Structural assessment of 40 ft mini LNG ISO tank: Effect of structural frame design on the strength performance. Curved and Layered Structures, 11(1), 20220219. https://doi.org/10.1515/cls-2022-0219.

Cover Image
"Cover image of the article published in the Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering, showing stacked isotanks used for transporting biotechnological products, framed by metal structures under a blue sky."
Downloads
Published
2025-09-24
Issue
Vol. 11 No. 3 (2025): Regular Issue (July - September)
Section
OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
License

Copyright (c) 2025 Salinas, H. D. S., Soares, L. de C., Tavares, I. P., Garcia, M. V., Leal, G. C. L., & Lima, R. H. P.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

All works published in the Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering (BJPE) are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). This means that: Anyone can copy, distribute, display, adapt, remix, and even commercially use the content published in the journal; Provided that due credit is given to the authors and to BJPE as the original source; No additional permission is required for reuse, as long as the license terms are respected. This policy complies with the principles of open access, promoting the broad dissemination of scientific knowledge. 🔗 Click here to access the full license

How to Cite

Salinas, H. D. S., Soares, L. de C., Tavares, I. P., Garcia, M. V., Leal, G. C. L., & Lima, R. H. P. (2025). Logistics management optimization in biotechnology: a multi-period model for Isotank transportation. Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering, 11(3), 414-434. https://doi.org/10.47456/bjpe.v11i3.47969