Yard space allocation of container port based on dual cycle strategy

Abstract

The dual-cycle operation in loading and unloading operations is widely adopted by container ports around the world. This study addresses the storage space allocation problem of the container yard based on the dual-cycle operation mode, and a mixed integer programming model for storage space allocation in the container yard is established. The container transportation distance is taken as the objective of the optimization model, and practical constraints such as ship operating time demand in ports and yard loading cluster limitations are added. The results of the numerical experiments reveal that the dual-cycle of internal trucks in the yard area can decrease transportation distance of containers, and the space allocation method based on it is more effective than traditional methods. The scenario analysis also provides several management insights for practitioners in container ports and puts forward effective reference suggestions to further solve the bottleneck problem often faced by container ports.