MDST Methodology

Utilisation level: our utilisation levels are based on allocated capacity and allocated demand estimated as follow: 

Allocated capacity: capacity estimated in our model to calculate the level of utilisation; it represents, effectively, the available TEU capacity (i.e. we reduce the deployed capacity to reflect the limitations of deadweight and high-cube boxes) modelled on a global basis but taking each string and its precise port calls into account.  We then allocate this capacity by taking into account the demand (region-to-region) making assumptions on direct services versus transhipment. In effect this takes into account the fact of way-port cargoes but at a region-to-region level rather than port-to-port level. 

Allocated demand: once all services have been broken down into region to region routes with capacity allocated, region to region demand is distributed equally across all services offering capacity for the route. Where demand is less than the capacity offered, the spare capacity is made available for routes where demand exceeds capacity. This “excess” demand is then conveyed by two or three routes that connect its origin and destination (interlining). Connectivity along the lowest cost available routes is the sole criteria for allocating this demand with no distinction being made between operators, transit time or any other quality of service parameter.