Genetic Algorithm-Based Container Yard Management Optimization

Abstract

With rapid economic development, container-based freight transportation increases dramatically. The container terminal yard is an important component to improve overall freight operation efficiency. Good container terminal yard operations can improve freight operation efficiency, reduce route conflicts, and decrease costs. So, it is necessary to optimize yard resource management, improve utilization ratio of yard equipment, and enhance yard operation processes. This research aims to optimize the container terminal yard handling mechanisms and resource allocations. The longest operating time of gantry cranes is determined by the gantry crane which finally completes the operation. A mathematical model is developed to minimize the longest operating time of gantry cranes as the objective functions. A genetic algorithm is introduced to optimize the solution. Finally, the paper verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method through a case study.