Comparing Intermodal and Synchromodal Transport Systems to Enhance Efficiency and Sustainability at the Port of Aktau, Kazakhstan


Chen Y. Kisselyova O. Abzhapbarova A. Aliakbarkyzy D. Karsybayev Y.
June 2025International Information and Engineering Technology Association

International Journal of Transport Development and Integration
2025#9Issue 2217 - 225 pp.

The Port of Aktau, Kazakhstan, is a vital logistics hub within the Trans-Caspian Transport Route. Synchromodal logistics emphasizes synchronized operations and real-time modal shifts to improve sustainability and efficiency. However, its comparative advantages over intermodal systems remain underexplored, particularly in emerging logistics markets like Kazakhstan. The research evaluates transport costs, times, and environmental impacts using data on container flows from the Port of Aktau. GIS-based modeling and Monte Carlo simulations were employed to assess dynamic demand and optimize transport modes and routes. Key performance metrics included transportation distances, terminal waiting times, and CO2 emissions. Synchromodal systems demonstrated substantial advantages: a 35.5% reduction in road transport costs, 37.7% shorter terminal waiting times, and a 33.3% decrease in CO2 emissions compared to intermodal systems. Despite higher rail transport and cargo handling costs, synchromodal logistics significantly improved overall efficiency. Road usage was reduced by 40.7%, while rail usage increased by 250%, optimizing transport distances and enhancing environmental sustainability. Synchromodal systems outperform intermodal logistics in cost-efficiency, environmental impact, and operational resilience at the Port of Aktau. These findings highlight the potential of synchromodal logistics to enhance freight transport sustainability and competitiveness in regional and global contexts. Future research should focus on broader applications and empirical validation of these systems. Copyright

CO2 emissions , container transport modeling , GIS-based transport analysis , intermodal transport optimization , Port of Aktau , real-time transport planning , synchromodal logistics systems

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Department of Transport Services and Business, ALT University named after Mukhametzhan Tynyshbayev, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
School of Transport Engineering and Logistics named after M. Tynyshpayev, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Organization of Air Transportation and Logistics, Academy of Civil Aviation, Almaty, 050039, Kazakhstan

Department of Transport Services and Business
School of Transport Engineering and Logistics named after M. Tynyshpayev
Department of Organization of Air Transportation and Logistics

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