Optimization of Transshipment Operations: Simulation of the APM Terminal/Tanger Med Port Case

Hajar Abous,Mhamed Hamiche,Mohamed El Merouani

doi:10.5171/2020.359922

Abstract

Container terminals, which are part of the global port system, represent important hubs of this intermodal transport system. Therefore, the need to improve operational efficiency is the most important problem for container terminals from an economic point of view. In this article, the main objective is to simulate a transshipment operation in the port of Tangier. A mathematical model is developed to formulate an integrated processing system and find an efficient solution algorithm for the Rubber-tyred gantry (RTGs) deployment as a handling equipment for container stacking at terminals, taking into account both the loading and unloading times.

Highlights

Containerized sea freight transport is a preferred mode of transport, because the use of containers reduces the amount of packaging and product damage
A mathematical model is developed to formulate an integrated processing system and find an efficient solution algorithm for the Rubber-tyred gantry (RTGs) deployment as a handling equipment for container stacking at terminals, taking into account both the loading and unloading times. This model takes into account the loading and unloading operations time as well as quay crane and yard crane (Y.C)
This model’s goal is to constitute a cost reduction strategy. By reducing this transshipment equipment use, this model takes into account the specific objective of minimum total cost, including both the optimal RTGs usage and the total operations time for the quay cranes (QC)

Summary

Introduction

Containerized sea freight transport is a preferred mode of transport, because the use of containers reduces the amount of packaging and product damage. Processes of a container terminal is the streamlining of incoming and outgoing (import / export) flows of containers. The goal of these operations is to maximize the operational productivity by efficiently using space for storage as well as the use of QC, YC and RTG handling equipment. The import/export containers processes are divided into several sub-blocks; each one is made up of a certain number of rows. A storage area is made up of several stacks of a certain size (levels) and can contain both 20 ’and 40’ containers

Objectives

Results

Conclusion