Yard block assignment, internal truck operations, and berth allocation in container terminals: introducing carbon-footprint minimisation objectives

Abstract

It is of increasing importance to carry out port terminal operations in an environmentally sustainable way. We approach the yard block assignment and internal transportation problem in a way that establishes an optimum trade-off between the time of internal truck moves and environmental objectives. The framework has a dynamic structure and aims to offer different berthing alternatives according to yard block occupancy rates. Earlier limitations of deterministic modelling are addressed. Probabilistic methods are considered in an attempt to bring our outcomes closer to real terminal circumstances. Discrete Monte Carlo simulation, integer-linear programming and multi-objective optimisation methods are integrated to address container terminal modelling complexity. The uncertainty arising from situations such as irregular vehicle queuing at the yard or quay crane stations is successfully addressed. The opinions of managers involved in decisions regarding the ‘time–environment dilemma’ are weighted and included in the optimisation model. In five scenarios, we show that internal truck time efficiency can improve by 27.8% to 42.8%, and CO2 emissions reduction by 30.1% to 70.3%.