Container Terminals Research Articles

Inventory stacking with partial information

An inventory stacking decision assigns positions to items which are stacked vertically, such as containers in container terminals and steel plates in steel plants. The performance of stacking decisions is greatly affected by the arrival and departure information on items. We study an inventory stacking problem with partial information based on industrial observation in a steel plant. On the inbound side, we investigate three levels of information on future arriving items and their effect on performance. On the outbound side, we study the impact of the retrieval sequence, which is often random. We develop models incorporating different availabilities of information and determine stacking strategies. The study shows that the stacking strategy and stacking performance depend highly on information quality and space utilisation. Especially, when the space utilisation is high, low-quality information deteriorates the performance and such information should be ignored. This contradicts the general belief that more information should bring better performance. The study further proposes a time window allocation approach to reduce the uncertainty in retrieval, and it is effective in improving stacking performance.

Technical efficiency evaluation and ranking of container terminal operators through DEA

In today’s competitive business environment the evaluation and ranking of container terminals plays a crucial role. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models are suitable to measure the efficiencies of alternatives specified with multiple inputs with multiple outputs, where as Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) models are suitable to measure the efficiencies of alternatives specified by multiple inputs with single output. In this four inputs and four outputs are considered for the evaluation of technical efficiency of container terminals and DEA is implemented to evaluate the performance of these container terminals based on technical efficiency. Also Regression analysis is performed to identify the factors which affect the technical efficiency mostly.

Building Sustainability Through Port Integration: A Case Study PT Pelabuhan Indonesia

Port Integration through the merger of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia I, II, III, and IV in 2021 sets one of its goals to ensure sustainable port development (sustainable effort). One of the main services of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia is the Container Terminal service which includes 63 Ports / Container Terminals in Indonesia which constitutes 95% of the total traffic of Indonesian Containers, of which from the number of Containers handled is the 8th largest in the world, is a strategic position that needs to be ensured the sustainability of its function. Indonesia’s container traffic has grown in the last 20 years with a CAGR of 6.75%. This growth is influenced by several variables including the number of inhabitants, area, and distance between the city and the port. This study analyzes the relationship between variables and benefits of port integration to the growth and sustainability of container terminal development in a sample of ports/terminals managed by PT Pelabuhan Indonesia. The study concluded that port integration supports sustainable port development.

Operational Management of Repair Container to Minimize Goods Damage During the Shipping ProcessOperational Management of Container Repairs to Minimize Goods Damage During the Shipping Process

One of the services provided by the container depot is maintenance and repair (M&R) with a function to repair damaged containers during the process of shipping goods. The purpose of this study is to determine the existing management activities in an empty container depot, especially in maintenance and repair operational activities. The research method used in the study conducted is a qualitative method with observation, interview with informan, literature studies, documentation, and triangulation. The results of this research is, the operational management activities of repair containers at the PT. Sricon Logistik Indonesia Semarang has been running quite well, but it is necessary to make a standard of documentation police in survey activity and the accuracy of loading and unloading activities at TPKS and improve the skills of the company's human resources.

Автоматизация работы спредера при обработке крупнотоннажных контейнеров в условиях крена и дифферента судна

Current development of IT technologies makes it possible to automate production processes in the transport industry. Introducing the automated systems helps reduce the downtime of vehicles under loading and unloading operations. Handling various loads or specializing in a certain cargo flow, the terminal operator selects lifting and transport equipment and the degree of its automation. Automation of lifting and transport equipment has been most developed at container terminals, because the container as a cargo unit has certain dimensions, the metal surface of the container reflects the signals of the distance sensors mounted on the cargo handling device (spreader). During the experiments, it was found out that the signal of ultrasonic sensors is reflected from the surface of ice, which can form on the container in winter, laser sensors show the distance to the surface of the container. Installation of laser sensors helps to reduce the working cycle time of lifting and transport equipment, reduce the likelihood of damage to the container. Loading and unloading operations on ships have their own specifics. In case of roll and /or trim, it is difficult to point the spreader at the container, which leads to an increase in the working cycle, therefore, the idle time of the vessel under processing. To solve the problem of reducing the working cycle time of lifting and transport equipment when unloading a vessel with a roll or trim of the vessel, a laboratory sample of the mechanism for stabilizing the spreader relative to the surface of the container has been developed. The stabilization mechanism operates according to the following algorithm: the signal from the laser sensors goes to the microcontroller, which compares the signals and then transmits the signal to the actuator, which stabilizes the spreader parallel to the surface of the container. The proposed device will increase the productivity of lifting and transport equipment when handling ships with roll and trim.

A model for investigating the coordination between low carbon and resilience performance in container terminals

In the process of coping with climate change and sustainable development, it is necessary for container terminals to coordinate the relationship between the long-term demand for low carbon and the short-term demand for resilience. However, low carbon or resilience performance of container terminals only has been separately investigated. Under such a circumstance, understanding the low carbon and resilience levels of container terminals, and the coupling relationship between the two dimensions are of primary importance. To realize this purpose, this paper for the first time bridges low carbon and resilience that used to be considered in isolation. By considering the impact of ports and cities on the resilience of container terminals, and subdividing carbon emission sources to assess low carbon, the proposed index system can quantify resilience and low carbon more comprehensively and accurately. Then, the factor analysis and coupling coordination degree models are adopted to determine the weights and analyze the coordination between low carbon and resilience performance. The results indicated that the coupling coordination degree of low carbon and resilience performance in Chinese container terminals is slightly coordinated, but the development of resilience lags behind that of low carbon. To improve the coupling coordination degree, it is important for container terminals to set appropriate development objectives based on the evaluation of low carbon and resilience performance, and choose suitable improvement strategies based on the characteristics of container terminals.

Optimization of Green Containerized Grain Supply Chain Transportation Problem in Ukraine Considering Disruption Scenarios

Grain supply chain transportation problem is a nontrivial and intractable issue for many developing countries. Grain as a bulk commodity is usually transported by bulk carriers. By taking into account the special condition of Ukraine, we proposed the containerized grain supply chain transportation optimization problem. In this problem, the sustainable supply chain system delivers grains in containers among primary elevators, intermodal yards, and port container terminals. Then, a containerized grain transportation model was developed to minimize the total cost of the sustainable supply chain system. Specifically, 20-foot containers were proven as more reasonable to be used in this paper. We also considered different transportation tools: trucks that can load one 20-foot container, trailers that can load two 20-foot containers, and wagons that can hold two 20-foot containers. Additionally, a disruption model was proposed by considering different disruption scenarios. Based on an analysis of the simulation results, some cost minimization strategies were proposed. Finally, a sensitivity analysis that aimed to analyze the effect of the proposed strategies on the minimal total cost and sustainability of the supply chain was conducted. The main conclusions drawn from the simulation are that the established food supply chain model is meaningful and accurate, and the incorporation of the disruption model aligns with practical requirements. Additionally, an increase in intermodal yard capacity, truck park size, and wagon park size decreases the total cost of the supply chain. The first two have a positive effect on the sustainability of the supply chain, while the latter increases the disruption risk of the supply chain.

Effects of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Policy on the cost of imported cargo transport in Kenya

The paper investigated the effects of SGR cargo transportation policy on the cost of cargo transportation in Kenya. Descriptive research design using cross-sectional survey and concurrent mixed methods were employed.  Primary data was obtained from freight forwarding companies and cargo owners and key informants in imported cargo transport sector. In realizing the study objectives, univariate, multivariate, cross tabulations and multinomial logit regression were adopted. The study established that enforcement of SGR cargo transportation had substantially increased the cost of transporting imported cargo from the port of Mombasa to the final destination through increases in last mile transport costs, return of empty container costs and demurrage charges. The paper recommends designing of costing model for SGR, which takes into account last mile transport costs and costs of returning empty containers to Mombasa port, this is in consultation with industry players.  Kenya Railways Corporation to consider of partnering with private trucking companies to provide last mile cargo transport services from ICD to Nairobi metropolis. SGR to provide return of empty containers services to the port of Mombasa for all containers that are transported through it; enhanced efficiency in cargo clearance by at Nairobi Inland Container Depot; negotiate with shipping lines for more free days before imposing demurrage charges. Lastly, cargo owners should re-align their cargo transportation arrangements to SGR by prompt arrangements for documentation requirements and advance organization for last mile transportation services. Keywords: Standard Gauge Railways, policy, transportation cost, imported cargo and last mile &nbsp

Comparing the Efficiency of Two Types of Yard Layout in Container Terminals

Traditional container terminals usually use a horizontal yard layout, while automated container terminals usually use a vertical yard layout. The two types of yard layout perform differently in the vehicle travel routes, the handling interface points of vehicles and yard cranes, and the yard cranes travel routes. These differences result in the different indicators between the two types of yard layout, such as yard utilization, average vehicle travel routes, average yard crane travel distance, and overall terminal efficiency etc. This paper uses an analytic method to quantify these indicators of the two types of yard layout. Based on the analysis results, the terminal efficiency is approximated by a queuing network from the overall operations. In the experiment studies, we first evaluate the indicators of the two types of yard layout, respectively. Then, we change the length and width of the yard to compare the efficiency of the two types of yard layout in various yard sizes. Finally, the overall terminal efficiency is compared. Results show that the overall efficiency is significantly affected by the service rate of yard cranes. The results in this paper may provide references for terminal yard design.

Berth and quay crane allocation and scheduling problem with renewable energy uncertainty: A robust exact decomposition

Container terminals are moving towards using renewable energy sources to manage their operations and cope with the traditional ones impacting the environment. However, renewable energy sources are limited, more costly, uncertain, and supplied in a non-continuous way. To improve operations’ sustainability, terminals are called to alternate between traditional and renewable energy sources. In this context, this paper proposes a multi-objective mathematical model to solve the berth and quay crane allocation and scheduling problem (BACASP), considering energy uncertainty and operations’ sustainability. The model considers two conflicting objectives: maximising renewable energy usage and minimising operational and energy costs. A robust version of the model is proposed to handle the uncertainty of renewable energy availability, whose objective is to optimize the worst-case scenario. Since many uncertain scenarios are involved, a simple commercial solver could not solve the model, even for small instances. Thus, we propose an exact decomposition algorithm that alleviates the model complexity, based on novel reinforcement procedures including novel set partitioning and valid inequalities, lower bounds, a warm-up scenario picking formula, speed up upper bounds, and a max–min MIP cutting procedure. A series of experiments show how the proposed approach helped tighten the model bounds, improve algorithm convergence, and alleviate computational time. We also conduct an economic analysis to assess the value of integration of energy parameters within BACASP. An additional investigation is made to show how Pareto optimal curves are sensitive to the price and availability of renewable energy uncertain scenarios.

Analysis of the Mooring Effects of Future Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCV) on Port Infrastructures

The size of container vessels is continuously growing, always exceeding expectations. Port authorities and terminals need to constantly adapt and face challenges related to maritime infrastructure, equipment, and operations, as these are the principal areas affected by the future Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). Maneuvring areas are at their limits, and mooring equipment is at an increased risk of being overloaded. This study aims to analyze the limitations that present mooring systems may face when ULCVs are subjected to wind and passing-ship forces exerted by a future ULCV and wind forces through Dynamic Mooring Analysis (DMA). A hypothetical and massive future ULCV with a capacity of 40,000 TEU is compared to the Emma Maersk, which is a present vessel that regularly calls at container terminals. The Emma Maersk, with its current mooring arrangement, experiences higher motion than future ULCVs, which experience higher forces but are also moored with more and stronger lines. This translates into considerably higher loads in the mooring system, potentially compromising safe mooring conditions at the terminal. Mitigating measures are proposed in the study to face these limitations. In addition, the study explores the potential of new and innovative mooring technologies, such as high-strength synthetic ropes and smart mooring systems, to address the challenges posed by ULCVs. A container terminal at the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest sea port, has been analyzed as a case study. The terminal is located next to a busy fairway that leads to other container terminals, justifying the need to analyze both wind and passing-ship effects on moored ships.

Peninjauan Terhadap Implementasi Sistem TOS Nusantara di Area Tanjung Priok

This study aims to find out from a review of the effective implementation of TOS NUSANTARA in the Tanjung Priuk 2 area. The research method used is a qualitative and descriptive research method where research is on observation and observation in the Pier Area 009 Tanjung Priok 1 which has implemented the TOS NUSANTARA system and solved a problem because the TOS NUSANTARA system has not been used in the Tanjung Priok 2 Domestic Area. TOS is an application system that operates Container Terminals. The system regulated in the TOS (Terminal Operating System) can view data online and in real time. The purpose of the TOS system is to manage the planning of goods, tools and all facilities used in all activities at the port efficiently and effectively. Terminal Operating Systems often use other technologies.

A Two-stage Stochastic Programming for AGV scheduling with random tasks and battery swapping in automated container terminals

Automated guided vehicle (AGV) is one of the main equipment for horizontal transportation in automated container terminals, and the optimization of AGV scheduling has become increasingly important. Existing scheduling systems tend to make decisions based on deterministic conditions, ignoring the dynamic changes and uncertainties of the terminal environment, such as the arrival of random tasks during AGV operations. In addition, the battery swapping process is neglected in most AGV scheduling studies, yet it is crucial to ensure the operation of AGVs. In this paper, we construct a two-stage stochastic programming model for the joint scheduling problem of battery swapping and task operation with random tasks. A double-threshold constraint for battery swapping decision-making is adopted. The results show that the double-threshold strategy is better for AGV utilization than the single-threshold one. Upon the solution method, a simulation-based ant colony optimization algorithm is proposed. Sample average approximation is used to calculate the expected cost, and two local search procedures are introduced to improve the quality of the solutions. In the cases of multiple instances and several random task samples with different arrival rates, our method was compared with three practical policies under a deterministic model. Computational results show that the scheduling scheme considering random tasks in advance is more robust and stable.

Energy-aware Integrated Scheduling for Container Terminals with Conflict-free AGVs

Energy-aware Integrated Scheduling for Container Terminals with Conflict-free AGVs

The continuous search for new port governance models: experiences from a developing country

This paper bridges port governance and stakeholder theory to contribute to new understandings of changed stakeholder relations due to the building of new container terminals. The case of the newly inaugurated very large high-tech container terminal commissioned to and developed and operated by Meridian Port Services (MPS), in the Port of Tema, Ghana, provides the empirical foundation for investigating the new stakeholder engagement. Through focus groups, descriptive statistics, and a series of qualitative and open-ended interviews carried out in structured stakeholder events, the paper aims to deliver new knowledge relevant to the many hybrid port governance systems seen today. Moreover, it wants to inform authorities and companies about the implications of different strategic choices and how changes progress. The study shows that despite shared goals of efficiency, all parties involved have had major difficulties in finding a new port governance model, which they all consider fair and which can contribute to a continuously economically sustainable port management practice.

A Genetic Algorithm for Integrated Scheduling of Container Handing Systems at Container Terminals from a Low-Carbon Operations Perspective

At container terminals, quay cranes, yard trucks, and yard cranes are mainly used to transfer containers. Driven by the demand for a green and low-carbon economy, an integrated scheduling problem considering three types of handling equipment of container handling systems is studied. As the task of transferring each container is completed by the three handling equipment sequentially, the optimal solution may not be found by only studying one type of equipment separately from a green operations perspective. The inter-dependency of different equipment should be considered to guarantee the overall performance of container handling systems with low-carbon operations so as to reduce energy consumption. In this paper, this integrated problem is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP). Since the MILP cannot be applied to solve large-sized practical problems, a genetic algorithm (GA) is developed. In the proposed GA, a three-dimension chromosome representation is proposed, which integrates the coordination of three handling equipment. A new mechanism including three pairs of crossover and mutation is used in parallel in GA with the aim of enhancing the efficiency of searching for good solutions. Each pair of crossover and mutation is specific to one dimension of a solution. Moreover, a novel heuristic mutation is developed to diversify solutions. The computational results indicate that the developed solution method for the integrated scheduling problem is promising and the heuristic mutation can highly improve the solution quality.

Research on the effect of number of yard trucks on container terminal throughput

Container terminal productivity is a benchmark for the level of effectiveness of a container port. One indicator of container terminal productivity level can be calculated through yard throughput. Several factors affect yard throughput, one of which is the number of truck terminals. This study aims to investigate the effect of the number of truck terminals on yard throughput at a container terminal. The investigation was conducted using a container terminal simulation which was based on the discrete event simulation method. As a case study, a simulation of a container terminal with a dock length of 300 m with several quay cranes was two units. The simulation was done by parameters adding the number of truck terminals and variations in the capacity of ships coming. The results of the simulation show that an increase in the number of truck terminals affects the number of outputs, depending on the size of the loading and unloading vessels. From the simulation results obtained, the largest yard throughput capacity of 809 containers with the number of truck terminals is 8 units on a shipload of 1,000 twenty-foot equivalent units. The results of this study provide an overview of the needs of the truck terminal in the container terminal. Highlights The yard throughput of the container terminal has been investigated by a simulation model built based on a discrete event simulation The discrete event simulation has obtained the effect of increasing the number of truck terminals on the yard throughputs with container capacity variations from 200 - 1,000 TEUs The increase in speed at the truck terminal is insignificant to increase yard throughput and necessary to do integrated scheduling between the truck terminals, quay cranes, and gantry cranes The increase in the quay crane operation in container terminals will decrease the dwell time of container throughput

Robust Lane Detection Algorithm for Autonomous Trucks in Container Terminals

Container terminal automation offers many potential benefits, such as increased productivity, reduced cost, and improved safety. Autonomous trucks can lead to more efficient container transport. A novel lane detection method is proposed using score-based generative modeling through stochastic differential equations for image-to-image translation. Image processing techniques are combined with Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) to ensure fast and accurate lane positioning. A robust lane detection method can deal with complicated detection problems in realistic road scenarios. The proposed method is validated by a dataset collected from the port terminals under different environmental conditions; in addition, the robustness of the lane detection method with stochastic noise is tested.

Informed simulation for dynamic path finding in human-operated container terminals

Path finding for human-operated vehicles in a maritime container terminal can be very demanding, especially when pursued under dynamic traffic conditions and based on decisions that are self-governing. Preventing collision and interference among internal transfer vehicles is a major task for operations managers in organizing container transfers from the quay to the yard at minimal congestion. To this matter, we propose a novel simulation framework as an effective tool for managing conflicting goals among straddle carrier (SC) drivers. The framework embeds both local and global search strategies that are used to determine the best path between any two vertices of the grid-like transfer network. Furthermore, it also allows to make path finding decisions based on either dynamic or static data. Numerical experiments prove the effectiveness of this informed simulation-based approach. Specifically, when critical extraordinary events arise and force, for instance, SCs to cover greater distances during container transfer, the difference in performance achieved by using the local/global path finding strategy in conjunction with static/dynamic data becomes more significant.

Real-Time Monitoring and Optimal Resource Allocation for Automated Container Terminals: A Digital Twin Application at the Yangshan Port

Digital twins can facilitate high-fidelity representations of container terminals by applying various technologies and methods to better measure, understand, and improve operations. In this paper, a decision support system (DSS) based on digital twin and big data technologies is designed to demonstrate how real-time monitoring and an integrated decision support can be established. The DSS provides optimal operation plans and the benchmark for vessel delay early warnings through different resource allocation simulations at the planning level. It further enables real-time operational decision making through real-time monitoring and efficiency analyses using big data engines at the operational level. A case study is conducted for the ultralarge Yangshan Deepwater Automated Container Terminal Phase IV (ACT4) in Shanghai (China) and experimental results have revealed that the proposed digital twin-based DSS can help ACT4 operators to evaluate vessel service using optimized resource allocation plans and operations.