Logistics optimization model for the production of biofuels from bioethanol in Colombia

The model integrates origin, transshipment, and destination nodes, optimizing routes and transportation costs for raw materials and biofuels. A mathematical network optimization approach was used, employing mixed integer linear programming in General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS), with the aim of minimizing operating costs, reducing transportation times, and improving resource allocation.

Different scenarios were analyzed, such as the elimination of origin and transshipment nodes and variations in the supply and demand of biofuels, in order to evaluate sensitivity and impact on system efficiency. The results show that logistics optimization using transshipment models significantly reduces transportation and distribution costs while simplifying the network. The elimination of nodes has varying effects on costs, while adjustments in supply and demand can produce significant operational savings.