Empty container repositioning problem and effects on Turkey

As a result of numerous favorable effects of containerization, there has been considerable increase in the tendency of using containers in international movements of both finished as well as semi-finished goods. Such an intensive use of containers has eventually resulted in the intensive exits of all containers from the major export countries. In sight of trade imbalances, there have been various difficulties, however, encountered in succeeding the smooth return of the containers back to the country of origin. Therefore, it has become an important issue for liner shipping industry to manage and reposition the containers that has left behind empty. The problems caused by empty containers are not only limited to certain economic effects on shipping companies.The purpose of this study is to analyze the problems resulted from empty container repositioning. To manage this, the relevant literature published in the last twenty years will be thoroughly reviewed and the solution methods used for empty container problems by such studies will be evaluated.Keywords: Empty Container, Repositioning, Containerization, Seaports, Liner Shipping, Trade Imbalance.