  This paper introduces a discrete relaxation for the class of combinatorial
optimization problems which can be described by a set partitioning formulation
under packing constraints. We present two combinatorial relaxations based on
computing maximum weighted matchings in suitable graphs. Besides providing dual
bounds, the relaxations are also used on a variable reduction technique and a
matheuristic. We show how that general method can be tailored to sample
applications, and also perform a successful computational evaluation with
benchmark instances of a problem in maritime logistics.
