Modelling of dual-cycle strategy for container storage and vehicle scheduling problems at automated container terminals

This study proposes a new approach to determine the dispatching rules of AGVs and container storage locations, considering both unloading and loading processes simultaneously. We formulate this problem as a mixed integer programming model, aiming to minimise the ship’s berth time. Optimal solutions can be obtained in small sizes, however, large-sized problems are hard to solve optimally in a reasonable time. Therefore, a heuristic method, i.e. genetic algorithm is designed to solve the problem in large sizes. A series of numerical experiments are carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the integration approach and algorithm

Modelling of integrated vehicle scheduling and container storage problems in unloading process at an automated container terminal

Effectively scheduling vehicles and allocating storage locations for containers are two important problems in container terminal operations. Early research efforts, however, are devoted to study them separately. This paper investigates the integration of the two problems focusing on the unloading process in an automated container terminal, where all or part of the equipment are built in automation. We formulate the integrated problem as a mixed-integer programming (MIP) model to minimise ship’s berth time. We determine the detailed schedules for all vehicles to be used during the unloading process and the storage location to be assigned for all containers. A series of experiments are carried out for small-sized problems by using commercial software. A genetic algorithm (GA) is designed for solving large-sized problems. The solutions from the GA for the small-sized problems are compared with the optimal solutions obtained from the commercial software to verify the effectiveness of the GA. The computational results show that the model and solution methods proposed in this paper are efficient in solving the integrated unloading problem for the automated container terminal

Sea Container Terminals

Due to a rapid growth in world trade and a huge increase in containerized goods, sea container terminals play a vital role in globe-spanning supply chains. Container terminals should be able to handle large ships, with large call sizes within the shortest time possible, and at competitive rates. In response, terminal operators, shipping liners, and port authorities are investing in new technologies to improve container handling infrastructure and operational efficiency. Container terminals face challenging research problems which have received much attention from the academic community. The focus of this paper is to highlight the recent developments in the container terminals, which can be categorized into three areas: (1) innovative container terminal technologies, (2) new OR directions and models for existing research areas, and (3) emerging areas in container terminal research. By choosing this focus, we complement existing reviews on container terminal operations

Operativa de transferencia en las terminales de contenedores portuarias: estado del arte.

In this paper we analyze the transport operations in the container terminals; we describe and classify the main works in logistics processes and methodologies in this operation. Consider to the main papers we defined three suboperations inside transport operations and present a survey of methods for their optimization.En éste trabajo se realiza el análisis de la operativa de transferencia en las terminales de contenedores portuarias, identificando y analizado los principales trabajos que abordan desde diferentes enfoques esta operativa. De acuerdo con los trabajos encontrados se definen los tres sub-sistemas más importantes que consideran los autores, así como sus objetivos, criterios y características

Integrated vehicle dispatching for container terminal

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

MULTI AGV SCHEDULING PROBLEM IN AUTOMATED CONTAINER TERMINAL

ABSTRACT In this paper we propose a dynamic multi automated guided vehicle (AGV) scheduling method based on the scheduling properties of automated container terminal handling systems. In multi-AGV scheduling, the composition of AGV handling time and the precedence order of certain tasks are major constraints. Taking these into consideration, we design a genetic algorithm (GA) for a dynamic multi-AGV scheduling model to minimize completion time and standard deviation of handling time of quay cranes (QC), and validated the proposed model through numerical experiment. We expect this model to be significant for multi-agent scheduling of discrete production systems

Mixing it Up:Simulation of Mixed Traffic Container Terminals

The development from a completely manual brownfield terminal towards a highly automated one proceeds in a number of steps. To take the first steps, it is crucial to know how introducing Automated Yard Tractors (AYTs) influences port productivity at Mixed-Traffic Terminals (MTTs). In these terminals, (non-automated) road trucks and yard tractors share the same infrastructure. This paper employs discrete-event simulation in order to analyze the performance of a brownfield terminal where manual yard tractors are replaced by AYTs. The results look promising: high utilization rates are reached in MTTs, with a modest number of AYTs. In fact, these utilization rates are reached with the same number of yard tractors as are typically used in comparable terminals with manually operated vehicles. Special attention is paid to the influence of road trucks on terminal congestion during peak hours.</p