Genetic Algorithm for Dynamic Berth Allocation Problem with Discrete Layout

Abstract

Genetic Algorithm which is based on the Darwinian principle of natural selection has been successfully applied to Berth allocation problem (BAP), which can decide the ships’ berthing position and berthing time at a container terminal. Considering the service priority, handing time deciding variables, safety clearance, as well as the berths’ physical conditions, a dynamic berth allocation with discrete layout optimization model aimed at minimizing the total service time with the ships service priority considered at the port is proposed, and a genetic algorithm is applied to solve it. Numerical experiment is conducted and shows that the genetic algorithm performs well, and is useful to the container terminal management and can save a lot of resources. KeywordsGenetic algorithm;Berth Allocation Problem; Optimization model; Container transportation