A Study on Operational Efficiency Improvement of Perpendicular Layout Container Terminal via introducing Interchange Transport Model

Abstract

Until now, the development of design and operation model for automated container terminals has been mainly performed based on the western ports model, specializing in basic loading, and discharging operations. In the case of the Busan port, terminal operators provide basic stevedoring, as well as an additional logistics service known as 'On Dock Service' not suitable for the currently commercialized automated container terminal model. This study diagnosed the current Busan port's throughput structure and terminal operational characteristic, and proposed a modified perpendicular layout container terminal transport model named 'Interchange Transport Model' for effective management of empty container and operation costs. Although the 'Interchange Transport Model' requires an additional number of transport equipment (AGV), concerning operational efficiency and cost saving, a simulation showed 22% reduction of TAT and 9.4% reduction of annual terminal operational costs in comparison to the basic perpendicular layout model.