Real-time container storage location assignment at a seaport container transshipment terminal: dispersion levels, yard templates, and sensitivity analyses

Abstract

We present the results of four experiments that link a seaport container terminal’s overall productivity to the system that automatically selects storage locations for export containers in real time as they enter the terminal. Experiment 1 introduces the concept of a container dispersion level and tests the performance of several dispersion levels at various terminals. Experiment 2 considers the math-programming-based yard template concept that has received much attention in recent years. By evaluating yard templates under simulated operating conditions, we provide a link between yard templates and overall terminal productivity that has been absent from previous studies. Experiments 3 and 4 examine how the vessel berthing policy and yard truck traveling speed affect the performance of the storage systems considered in Experiments 1–2. The experiments provide insight into options for real-time decision making at container terminals that is rare in that (1) performance is measured in overall terms and (2) detailed measures of performance for all entities—berths, vessels, groundslots, quay cranes, yard cranes, yard trucks, and containers—involved in every container’s complete lifetime at the terminal are provided.