A routing algorithm for a single straddle carrier to load export containers onto a containership

Abstract

How to route a straddle carrier during loading operation of export containers in port container terminals is discussed. We try to minimize the total travel distance of the straddle carrier in the yard. We determine the number of containers which the straddle carrier picks up at each yard-bay as well as the sequence of yard-bays which the straddle carrier visits during the tour. The objective is to minimize the total travel time of the straddle carrier. This routing problem is formulated as an integer programming. An efficient optimizing algorithm is also developed for the carrier routing problem.