Container Terminal Operations Research Articles

Integrated rescheduling optimization of berth allocation and quay crane allocation with shifting strategies

Container terminal operations are a core aspect of vessel operations in ports and necessitate an intelligent rescheduling approach to manage complex uncertainty scenarios. This paper investigates the problem of berth allocation and quay crane (QC) assignment with shifting strategies. A variable-length rolling mechanism (VLRM) is designed to identify uncertainty scenarios and determine the optimal rescheduling time point. Notably, we introduce a novel cross-wharf shifting movements strategy (CWSM) and develop a rescheduling model that accounts for constraints related to tidal time windows. The proposed Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search algorithm (ALNS) is tailored to solve this problem effectively. Computational results from various instance sizes validate the efficacy of both the model and the ALNS algorithm. These results demonstrate that the ALNS algorithm exhibits distinct advantages in solution quality and computational time for large-scale instances. Furthermore, the inclusion of tidal time window constraints significantly amplifies the complexity of uncertainty scenarios, emphasizing their importance and the impossibility of neglecting them. The cross-wharf shifting movements strategy, presented herein, effectively mitigates the impact of uncertainty scenarios within a defined scope while enhancing adjustment flexibility.

Расчет эксплуатационных расходов с учетом транспортно-технологической схемы и параметров оборудования контейнерного терминала

A method for evaluating the performance distribution of transshipment equipment performing operations in a container terminal stack is considered. It is proved that the productivity of operations is the most significant indicator for assessing the economic efficiency of a marine or dry container terminal. Performance evaluation is carried out on the assumption that the technological task for reloading equipment is a sequence of containers with random coordinates in a stack. To complete this technological task, the reloading equipment must move from the position of the last task to the position of the new one. For each movement in operation, the speed is calculated taking into account the acceleration and braking of the mechanisms. As an example of performance evaluation, a warehouse container crane with pneumatic wheels, related to overhead handling equipment, is considered. This type of equipment is the most common in modern container terminals. A description of the simulation model that is used to perform the assessment is provided. The initial data of the model on the execution time of individual movements, as well as on the parameters of the stack, were collected at Russian container terminals. A description of the simulation model that is used to perform the assessment is provided. The initial data of the model on the execution time of individual movements, as well as on the parameters of the stack, were collected at Russian container terminals. The results of the simulation model are the probability distribution of the performance of transshipment equipment during the selection and stacking of containers in the stack of the container site. It is established that the results obtained agree with the actual data on the operation of Russian container terminals. The proposed method makes it possible to more accurately assess the performance of reloading equipment. It is noted that the developed approach should be supplemented taking into account container warehousing strategies, as well as methods of algebraic estimation of the complexity of container sampling.

Experience analysis of automation and robotization of the container terminal operation

The paper reviews the existing approaches to automation of both transshipment equipment and technological operations performed at container terminals. It is pointed out that automation and robotization of warehousing and port operational processes is one of the current global trends in the development of cargo transshipment and temporary storage technologies at seaport berths. Therefore, the search, accumulation and systematization of a lot of information about practical developments in this area of transport industry is one of the scientific tasks in choosing the direction of the dissertation research "Technology, arrangement and management of transshipment processes in ports". On the basis of the studied domestic and foreign experience in the field of arrangement of the management system of the sea container terminal the operational processes in which the object of automation was transshipment technology were classified. The unification of individual methods of automation of operational processes into groups (levels of automation) was made on the basis of the classification criteria "the number of automated equipment units ". Unstructured data presented as primary source information on the websites of manufacturers of transshipment equipment, as well as secondary open scientific data were the sources of information for the scientific research.

Efektivitas Stretching terhadap Kelelahan Kerja Operator Head Truck Terminal Petikemas Semarang

Head truck operator is one of the jobs that is at risk of experiencing work fatigue at the Semarang Container Terminal. Based on the results of measuring work fatigue using the IFRC subjective self rating test questionnaire on 20 head truck operators, 25% experienced low fatigue, 55% moderate fatigue, and 20% high fatigue. One of the alternative fatigue management can be done by static stretching which is considered more efficient in adjusting to the company's work processes and more effective than other methods. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of stretching on work fatigue of Semarang Container Terminal head truck operators. This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-post test one group design. Respondents were head truck operators at the Semarang Container Terminal with a total of 49 respondents out of a total of 147 operators. This study used the Subjective Self Rating Test questionnaire from IFRC to measure work fatigue. The data analysis technique used was the paired t-test. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant difference in head truck operators after stretching with p-value of 0.000 with large effect (d = 7.44). In Conclusion There was an effectiveness of stretching on work fatigue of Semarang Container Terminal head truck operators.

Operational performance evaluation of a container terminal using data mining and simulation

The efficient operation of container terminals facilitates the seamless flow of goods across borders. New technologies such as big data, data mining, and simulation models, have emerged in the maritime industry, enabling optimization and performance evaluation. This study investigated how data science using operational data can improve container terminal operations, drive efficiency, enhance throughput, and bolster competitiveness in the shipping sector. Decision-making within container terminals, particularly in determining optimal container stacking locations, poses a significant challenge owing to the multitude of factors at play. By analyzing the datasets, new strategies and policies can be simulated to minimize container rehandling operations. This study focuses on the Hakata International Container Terminal in Japan, where daily operational data from rubber-tired gantry equipment are used to investigate container movements. A significant reduction in the total number of movements required to perform container-handling operations was demonstrated by implementing data-driven strategies and simulation modeling.

Promoting Safety, Security, Awareness and Productivity in Port Plants

This paper focuses on the combined use of eXtended Reality and Simulation to improve awareness and confidence in Container Terminal Operations by tailoring a Simulation Systems. Experimentation is proposed as example of the benefits achievable by training virtually operators in this context. The complexity of Port Operations creates a quite dangerous environment where the highly competitive business sector push to increase speed of operations and flows. In additions Port Terminals involve many actors that have to work and interoperate within a multi domain environment, outdoor all around the clock along the year in an almost all- weather context. Ports are growing getting encapsulated within major city that over time turn to be megacities creating additional challenges especially in terms of Safety and Security that require to operate with high performance in a safe framework. The automation obviously is crucial to further increase operations, therefore up to know the human component is still quite critical for many ancillary activities as well as often on main and secondary ones due to the flexibility and reliability required. This aspect could suggest a big potential for Industry 4.0 and its future evolution in this field as well as a continuous struggling with the very conservative mentality of Shipping and Maritime Operations relying in Systems able to operate in the previous mentioned conditions. Indeed, Training and Education are crucial to face these challenges and make it possible to introduce new technologies, policies and approaches in the very strategic field of Port Activities. The authors propose an experimentation carried out to demonstrate the potential to move training and education on virtual interactive solutions based on MS2G paradigm (Modeling, interoperable Simulation and Serious Games) by tailoring a Simulation System on specific criticalities

Mixed integer programming model with constraints for integrated container terminal operations

The objective of a container terminal is to complete operations with each docked vessel as quickly as possible to minimize the waiting time of the vessel at the port and thus maximize the turnover, i.e., the number of containers handled. Optimization of complex operations at a container terminal is computationally challenging. This paper considers the complex problem of assigning mooring cranes, scheduling mooring cranes, assigning warehouse location and dispatching vehicles at a container terminal. The main objective is to minimize the turnaround time of ships and maximize the throughput of the terminal. In this paper, constraints are considered and a mixed integer programming model is proposed for the complex problem of integrated operations in a container terminal.

Innovations in Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Intervention in Material Handling

This review paper delves into the complex facets of ergonomic risk evaluation and reduction across various industrial sectors. The focus is on identifying the hazards linked to manual labor, especially those contributing to physical risks and musculoskeletal disorders among workers, and proposing inventive solutions to mitigate these threats. The review brings together insights from different studies, emphasizing the application of automation, virtual modeling, Kinect-based evaluations, and other innovative tools in repetitive tasks and material handling operations. It also explores the usage of back-support exoskeletons, observational checklists, and workspace redesigns to decrease risks in construction, manufacturing, vegetable transportation, clothing accessories, and other sectors. The development of risk assessment frameworks for specific roles such as container terminal operators and the examination of musculoskeletal disorders in diverse worker demographics, including older female farmers and factory workers, are also featured. The comprehensive approach of the journal sets the stage for future research, aiming to further reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders through continued innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Industrial Insights and Ergonomic Interventions

In response to the rising incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) across diverse work environments, extensive research has been undertaken. Within the apparel sector, initiatives have included workstation redesigns to alleviate worker strain. Emphasis has also been placed on formulating explicit ergonomic risk assessment standards, particularly for roles associated with heavy machinery, exemplified by container terminal operators. The agricultural domain, particularly manual farming activities in Haryana, India, has been studied to comprehend the distinct challenges encountered. The ergonomic implications for fish processing laborers, subjected to cold, damp conditions and repetitive tasks, have also been examined. Notably, the integration of biomechanics instrumentation in occupational health offers insights into refining human work-related movements for improved health. Scrutiny has been extended to varied workplaces, like flour production units and oil and gas enterprises, to discern MSD origins and propose corrective measures. With technological advancements, ergonomics now employs sophisticated tools such as computerized dynamometers for precise risk evaluations. Detailed biomechanics assessments further elucidate the physical demands on workers. Other industries, including textiles, have seen ergonomic appraisals aiming to diminish manual task strains, while the labor-intensive dairy farming sector has also been evaluated. Cumulatively, these comprehensive research endeavors pave the way for a more informed approach, suggesting preventive and mitigative strategies against MSDs across sectors.

Enhancing Sustainability through the Development of Port Communication Systems: A Case Study of the Port of Koper

This paper addresses the highly topical issue of the digitalisation of the port community through the development of advanced port communication systems (PCSs). The efficient and sustainable operation of container terminals (CTs) plays a key role in global trade and in ensuring the sustainable functioning of transport chains. While larger container terminals utilise PCSs, smaller container terminals often face challenges when implementing similar systems due to resource constraints and unique operational characteristics. This research analyses the impact of PCSs on the operational processes and information exchange between the smaller CT in the Port of Koper and the local port community. The aim of this study is to identify the possibilities of upgrading PCSs with modern information technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchains, internet-of-things (IoT), etc., that will lead to more efficient execution of operational processes, reduced congestion and a lower carbon footprint for the port community as a whole. The paper provides guidelines for the possible coordinated development of PCSs in the Northern Adriatic to ensure the most harmonised operation of stakeholders in different ports or CTs.

Technical Efficiency of Container Terminal Operations in Southwestern Seaport in Nigeria

Containerization plays a crucial role in international trade. It promotes the oceanic business, generally pertinent to container terminals. Despite the various benefits of the container terminal to maritime trade and the economic development of nations with seaports, Nigerian ports are suffering from a progressive decline compared to other thriving ports in other parts of the globe. Hence, this study evaluates the technical efficiency of container terminal operations in southwestern seaport in Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted for this study in which Multi-stage sampling technique was used. Both primary and secondary data were collected from the annual report and questionnaire respectively from staff of the container terminal operators in Tincan Island Port Complex and Apapa Port Complex. The result from the findings showed that four factors influenced container terminal capacity and port performance. These include port charges, stevedoring operations, unserviceable cranes and ship calls. Also, the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) findings showed that AP Moller Terminal, PCHS, and PTML have a crste, vrste, and scale efficiency of 1, indicating they are fully technically efficient under both constant and variable returns to scale. It was concluded that AP Moller Terminal, PCHS and PTML are the most efficient terminal in South-Western Ports in Nigeria. It was recommended that periodic training and retraining of staff handling modern equipment should be prioritized and also, increase in port charges by the terminal operators should be addressed to encourage freight forwarders to clear their cargo on time at the port.

Assessment of Container Terminal Operations in South-Western Ports in Nigeria

Containers, a global maritime trade influencer, have increased the importance of ports. Ports serve as an economic catalyst for revenue and employment. The importance of container transport cannot be overemphasized in international trade especially in Nigeria. Hence, it becomes expedients to assess the elements of container terminal capacity, analyse the trend of cargo throughput and as well determine the relationship between handling equipment and cargo dwell time in Western ports in Nigeria. The study adopts multistage sampling. Also, both primary and secondary data were collected from the staff of the container terminal operators in Tincan Island Port Complex and Apapa Port Complex and 347 respondents were chosen using Yamene formular. Furthermore, Descriptive statistics such as frequency table, line graph, bar charts were used to examine the elements of container terminal capacity, analyse the trend of cargo throughput. The inferential statistics such as regression analysis was used examines the relationship between thandling equipment and cargo dwell time. The result showed a decline in cargo throughput from 2019 to 2020, a trend that can be directly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it was shown that the coefficient of handling equipment is 0.725, indicating that for every unit increase in the handling equipment score, the cargo dwell time increases by 0.725 units. The t-value of 21.558 and a significance level of 0.000 signify that the handling equipment is a significant predictor of cargo dwell time. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that terminal space, handling equipment, daily stock and port labour were significant factors or elements of container terminal capacity. It was recommended that Nigerian Ports Authority should invest more on sustainable infrastructure and terminal operators and stevedoring company should train and retrain their staff on modern handling equipment.

Robust multi-equipment scheduling for U-shaped container terminals concerning double-cycling mode and uncertain operation time with cascade effects

The integrated scheduling of quay cranes, internal vehicles, and yard cranes in container terminals aims to improve port operations and often requires scheduling robustness under uncertainty with cascade effects. In container terminal operations, uncertainty in equipment operating time poses challenges to effective scheduling, as even small fluctuations can create cascade effects throughout the operations, rendering the original schedule ineffective. This research aims to develop a new method that enables a balance between optimization and robustness in container terminal scheduling. Additionally, the double-cycling operation mode and U-shaped port layout, known for their improved efficiency in container terminals, are gaining increasing attention and hence are incorporated into this study. It creates a three-stage hybrid flow shop scheduling problem with bi-directional flows, waiting time, and uncertain operation time. To address the complex problem, a mixed integer programming model is proposed to characterize the integrated scheduling problem, and an index based on complex network structure entropy is designed to evaluate the anti-cascade effect as well as the robustness of the schedule. The index and makespan serve as the bi-objectives, transforming the original problem into a bi-objective optimization one. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-Ⅱ with appropriate coding and decoding rules is utilized to solve the model and obtain a set of Pareto frontier solutions. The feasibility of the new method is verified through a real case analysis. Specifically, comparative analysis with basic stochastic programming, basic robust optimization, triangular fuzzy programming, and maximum gap method are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new method. The paper also provides insightful practical implications for port managers, and the genericity of the method could also contribute to its practical values spreading to a wider scope of beneficiaries, such as manufacturing warehousing and distribution management.

Multiple Container Terminal Berth Allocation and Joint Operation Based on Dueling Double Deep Q-Network

In response to the evolving challenges of the integration and combination of multiple container terminal operations under berth water depth constraints, the multi-terminal dynamic and continuous berth allocation problem emerges as a critical issue. Based on computational logistics, the MDC-BAP is formulated to be a unique variant of the classical resource-constrained project scheduling problem, and modeled as a mixed-integer programming model. The modeling objective is to minimize the total dwelling time of linerships in ports. To address this, a Dueling Double DQN-based reinforcement learning algorithm is designed for the multi-terminal dynamic and continuous berth allocation problem A series of computational experiments are executed to validate the algorithm’s effectiveness and its aptitude for multiple terminal joint operation. Specifically, the Dueling Double DQN algorithm boosts the average solution quality by nearly 3.7%, compared to the classical algorithm such as Proximal Policy Optimization, Deep Q Net and Dueling Deep Q Net also have better results in terms of solution quality when benchmarked against the commercial solver CPLEX. Moreover, the performance advantage escalates as the number of ships increases. In addition, the approach enhances the service level at the terminals and slashes operation costs. On the whole, the Dueling Double DQN algorithm shows marked superiority in tackling complicated and large-scale scheduling problems, and provides an efficient, practical solution to MDC-BAP for port operators.

Operational efficiency for container terminal operators with undesirable outputs: slacks-based measures

ABSTRACT Operational efficiency is crucial in the container terminal industry to reduce costs, increase throughput, enhance customer satisfaction, optimize the supply chain, improve safety, minimize environmental impact, and ensure adaptability and resilience in a dynamic and competitive market. The article aims to estimate operational efficiency for CTOs by the Slacks-Based Measures (SBM) model when considering CO2 emissions and work accidents as undesirable outputs. In doing so, this paper adopted the cluster analysis to select homogeneous CTOs acting as Decision-making Units (DMUs). CTOs in the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port (the CMTV case) were then empirically studied to verify the validity of the suggested model. The results could have real-world applications for CTOs looking for managerial actions to boost operational efficiency and maintain high-quality growth. Additionally, the research model may provide an analytical reference for relevant port management applications. In particular, this study offers CTOs a scientific framework for evaluating the operational efficiency of CTOs located in a port.

Optimization for Green Container Shipping: A Review and Future Research Directions

Maritime freight transportation is one of the least emissions-producing transportation alternatives in terms of transported tonnage per distance. However, it produces a high amount of emissions as around 80% of international freight transportation is conducted through seas and 20% of maritime transportation is conducted through container shipping. This makes it crucial to reduce emissions in container shipping. In this regard, this study reviewed previous studies on the environmental optimization of container shipping and identified various future research directions. The results showed that in the sea segment of environmental optimization of container shipping, decisions which require further attention include resource allocation, emission reduction technology choice, disruption recovery, freight rate optimization, and shipment scheduling. The decisions that require future research in the port segment are related to internal transportation and handing operations in container terminals (i.e., yard crane deployment, yard truck deployment, yard truck scheduling, yard container stack allocation, yard container retrieval), renewable energy source installation, and emission reduction technology choice. Vessel scheduling and speed optimization decisions are the most frequently studied decisions in the sea segment, but they are rarely considered for inland shipping of containers. In the sea-port combined segment of container shipping, future studies are required in quay crane scheduling, vessel scheduling, container route allocation, ship route allocation vessel deployment, and emission reduction technology choice. The least studied decision in the door-to-door segment of container shipping includes hub location-allocation, empty container relocation, ship route allocation, vessel deployment, environmental taxation and subsidy scheme, emissions reduction technology choice, and speed optimization. It was also demonstrated that modeling of future studies should more frequently consider uncertainties and social sustainability parameters.

Efficient Container Logistics System Model

The containers were associated with import-export businesses via sea transport. It had an impact on economic value and was essential for logistics development. The Overseas Container Management System literature review found numerous papers that tend upward in port operations, container yards, or container terminals. This study follows this trend and is driven to learn about processes and container management systems in container yards. The research aims to study container management system analysis and the factors influencing an efficient container yard management system. This research is applied research, which includes collecting relevant documents, actual field data, surveys, and observation techniques. The sampling frame consisted of 400 trucks in a specific case study of an empty container terminal operation area in Bangkok port (Cargo Operations Division 3). Data was collected by the Case Record/Report Form (CRF). Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the independent factors and the dependent variable. Keywords: Container, Empty Container Terminal, Container Yard, Container Management System

Global terminal operators: a competitive strategic position analysis

ABSTRACT Port operators and liner shipping companies attempt to gain cost and competitive advantages by providing services in complementary maritime-related areas. In line with this purpose, companies undertake a task known as Global Terminal Operator (GTO). Substantially, there are more than 21 GTOs of various sizes involved in container terminal operations worldwide, handling 80% of the total containerized cargo traffic. In recent years, there have been drastic changes in the GTO market with numerous mergers, acquisitions, and concessions. However, academic and sectoral studies have fallen short of keeping up with these changes. To fill the gap in research, a dynamic portfolio analysis has been carried out within the scope of this novel study for the first time for the GTOs with the help of BCG Matrix analyses. Findings reveal that GTOs followed different development paths with respect to their distinctive characteristics. Major operators maintained their market dominance, unlike the minors who followed an unsteady path of development. This paper contributes to the academic literature by conducting a comprehensive market analysis for the GTO sector and revealing the dynamic development courses as well as strategic competitive positions of the operators from a managerial perspective toward shaping future strategic plans of the industry stakeholders.

Two-Stage Robust Programming Modeling for Continuous Berth Allocation with Uncertain Vessel Arrival Time

In order to mitigate the environmental pollution caused by sea freight, we focused on optimizing carbon emissions in container terminal operations. This paper establishes a mixed integer programming (MIP) model for a continuous berth allocation problem (CBAP) considering the tide time window. We aimed to minimize the total carbon emissions caused by the waiting time, consumption time and deviation to berth preference. In order to overcome the influence of an uncertain arrival time, the proposed MIP model was extended to mixed integer robust programming (MIRP) models, which applied a two-stage robust optimization (TSRO) approach to the optimal solution. We introduced an uncertainty set and scenarios to describe the uncertain arrival time. Due to the complexity of the resulting models, we proposed three particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms and made two novelties. The numerical experiment revealed that the robust models yielded a smaller variation in the objective function values, and the improved algorithms demonstrated a shorter solution time in solving the optimization problem. The results show the robustness of the constructed models and the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.

Berth allocation and scheduling at marine container terminals: A state-of-the-art review of solution approaches and relevant scheduling attributes

AbstractMarine container terminals play a significant role for international trade networks and global market. To cope with the rapid and steady growth of the seaborne trade market, marine container terminal operators must address the operational challenges with appropriate analytical methods to meet the needs of the market. The berth allocation and scheduling problem is one of the important decisions faced by operators during operations planning. The optimization of a berth schedule is strongly associated with the allocation of spatial and temporal resources. An optimal and robust berth schedule remarkably improves the productivity and competitiveness of a seaport. A significant number of berth allocation and scheduling studies have been conducted over the last years. Thus, there is an existing need for a comprehensive and critical literature survey to analyze the state-of-the-art research progress, developing tendencies, current shortcomings, and potential future research directions. Therefore, this study thoroughly selected scientific manuscripts dedicated to the berth allocation and scheduling problem. The identified studies were categorized based on spatial attributes, including discrete, continuous, and hybrid berth allocation and scheduling problems. A detailed review was performed for the identified study categories. A representative mathematical formulation for each category was presented along with a detailed summary of various considerations and characteristics of every study. A specific emphasis was given to the solution methods adopted. The current research shortcomings and important research needs were outlined based on the review of the state-of-the-art. This study was conducted with the expectation of assisting the scientific community and relevant stakeholders with berth allocation and scheduling.