A model and algorithm for vessel scheduling through a two-way tidal channel

Abstract

ABSTRACTEfficient vessel scheduling through a channel can improve the operational efficiency of ports. Additionally, many large vessels with deep drafts may have delays due to the tidal cycles when transiting tidal channels. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the vessel scheduling through a channel in which the depth is affected by the tide. This paper presents a model and an algorithm to solve the vessel scheduling problem through a two-way traffic channel in which the depth is affected by tides. The vessels passing through the tidal channel from the inbound and outbound directions are ordered under the condition that the channel depth considering tide meets the requirements of vessels’ drafts. The optimization objective is to minimize the total waiting time of all vessels to be scheduled. Next, the model and algorithm are verified using actual data from the north channel of the Yangtze River estuary. The results show that the scheduling efficiency is higher than other scheduling modes of first come first served (FCFS), random scheduling (RS), large draft vessel first (LDVF) and manual scheduling. Additionally, the proposed model and algorithm can be modified slightly and used for vessel scheduling through other two-way channels with tide-affected depth.