Port Container Terminals Research Articles

Cloud-Based Virtual Port-Container Terminal Establishment and Operation Analysis

Worldwide, governments are making efforts to enhance the efficiency of port terminals by applying new technologies developed in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This study aims to systematically analyze port productivity and operational efficiency by establishing cloud-based virtual port-container terminals using operational data from Busan Port terminals. Accordingly, the integrated aspect-oriented modeling approach is applied to actual operational data from port-container terminals to develop a reusable, extendible and modifiable control system. This technique is used to establish a virtualized port-container terminal. In addition, this study presents a way to solve various problems arising from port-container terminals by analyzing real-time operation data generated by the terminals through a cloud system, as well as suggests ways to streamline operations. The methodology presented in this study can be applied to establish optimal operating systems for various ports and to develop and operate future port-container terminal systems.

A novel approach for ports’ container terminals’ risk management based on formal safety assessment: FAHP-entropy measure—VIKOR model

Maritime transport, which requires complex, large, and long port systems, is a major system in the world trade, and since such systems face different risks, various methods have been proposed to evaluate port area/operations-related risks and safety. A review of various methods that quantify risks in port areas shows that a specific risk management approach/framework capable of dealing with all threats/hazards is scarce. The present paper that proposes a PRM model and aims at transferring the safety-oriented FSA to a framework-based approach, utilizes an fuzzy analytical hierarchy process–VIKOR combined model in the port container terminal domain. Aiming at modeling all the probable risks, the PRM methodology was proposed by considering different port factors and their mutual impacts. The risk management method proposed in this paper uses the Z-number total utility idea to cope with the intrinsic uncertainty existing in experts’ judgment in port container terminal domains. To adjust the experts-proposed subjective weights by objective weights and to give ranking and prioritization to failure modes on the basis of maximum “group utility” and minimum “individual regret,” the Shannon entropy concept and the fuzzy VIKOR technique have been made used, respectively. To find some risk management evidence at the Iranian port container terminals, results of a related empirical study, validated through a sensitivity analysis, have been compared with the conventional FSA. It has been revealed that the applicability of the conventional FSA method can be improved by applying the proposed subjective–objective ranking method in fuzzy environments.

RUE Index as a Tool to Improve the Energy Intensity of Container Terminals—Case Study at Port of Valencia

A container terminal is a high energy demanding organization. Giving priority to the investments that have a better impact on the minimization of energy consumption is a prime concern of the management board of the Port Authority and container terminals. This study presents a tool for the classification of the processes that take place in the port. The Relevant Use of Energy (RUE) index is described and applied to a case study, the Port Authority of Valencia, which is the main port of the Mediterranean in container traffic. Three different functional units have been discussed for the assessment: Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU), cargo handled, and several container ships that operate in the port. The implementation of specific projects following the recommendation of the RUE Index validated the tool and allowed a reduction of the energy intensity of 29.5%, and a 40% reduction of the cost of energy per TEU between 2008 and 2016. However, there is still room for improvement, and project lines are proposed for this matter. A partnership between the RUE Index and an energy management system ISO 50001 certified and ensures quality data giving confidence to the decision-making process of the management board.

Comparative Study on the Efficiency of Port Container Terminals

Despite much research being conducted on the efficiency of ports, there is little information available on the efficiency of container terminals that constitute these ports. The purpose of this study is to propose an efficient operation method for terminals by comparing and analyzing the efficiency of 18 container terminals that recorded high berth productivity in 2013. The technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency of each terminal were measured using data envelopment analysis. For efficiency analysis, terminal area, berth length, and a number of C/C were used as input variables and the number of containers moving per hour was used as the output variable. Of the 18 terminals analyzed, the Total Terminals International - Pier T, Ningbo Gangji (Yining) Terminal, and Tianjin Five Continents International Container Terminal were the most efficient.

A DEA-ANN framework based in Improved Grey Wolf Algorithm to evaluate the performance of container terminal.

Managing the performance of port container terminals is one of the major challenges in the supply chain management. In response to this challenge, we propose a new framework to assess managers in evaluating the global performance of operations in port container terminals. The new framework integrates the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The DEA is used to compute the efficient score of the system. In ANN, we use the improved grey wolf optimizer based on Levy’s flights to improve learning. In order to prove the efficiency of our model, we apply the framework in 2 ports container terminal: Tangier Med Port and Casablanca Port. The result is compared to standard algorithms and outperforms the cited algorithm in order to avoid local minima. The new trainer improved grey wolf optimizer is also evaluated using four known classification datasets and on three approximation functions datasets.

Strategic Analysis of the Automation of Container Port Terminals through BOT (Business Observation Tool)

The port system is immersed in a process of digital transformation towards the concept of Ports 4.0, under the new regulatory and connectivity requirements that are expected of them. As a result of the changes that the industrial revolution 4.0 is imposing, based on new information technologies and the change of energy model, the electrification of modes of transport from alternative energies and the total digitalization of the processes is occurring. This conversion to digital, intelligent, and green ports requires the implementation of the new technologies offered by the market. The inclusion of these enabling tools has allowed the development of automated terminals under a functional approach. This article aims to offer the responsible entities a new methodology (BOT) that allows them to successfully undertake the automation of terminals, taking into account the reality of the conditions of the environment in which they are developed. By quantifying the factors that facilitate or impede implementation, it will be possible to determine the strategy to be followed and the necessary measures to be adopted in the project; constituting, therefore, a novel management and planning tool.

Saronikos Gulf: a hotspot area for alien species in the Mediterranean Sea

Shipping is the greatest pathway of non-indigenous species (NIS) introductions, and port areas are considered as alien hotspots. In this study, we analyzed data covering a 112-year period and found that Saronikos Gulf in Greece, hosting one of the largest container port terminals in Europe, is a hotspot of NIS introductions. To date, 89 NIS have been recorded, of which 8 are characterized as invasive. Most species belong to the taxonomic group of Mollusca (33%), followed by Pisces (22%). For the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, we report the presence of the micromolluscs Sinezona plicata (Hedley, 1899) and Ringicula sp. Moreover, we provide evidence for the trend of NIS introduction in the Saronikos Gulf across the past 70 years, the pathways of introduction and their importance through time, as well as the distribution of the most invasive species in the Saronikos Gulf. The information provided herein can assist the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and inform NIS management. As Transport-Stowaway remains the main pathway of NIS introduction in the Saronikos Gulf, our principal recommendation is to reinforce regulations for the adoption of better antifouling practices and more effective ballast water treatment and management.

An integrated multi-ship crane allocation in Beirut Port container terminal

This paper investigates the integration between the quay and yard sides for multiple berthing ships with transshipment containers. This paper is motivated by the experience of an operator at Beirut Port. An integer linear programming model is formulated to minimize the total number of cranes used in both quay and yard sides for all berthing ships with transshipment containers unloading during a finite and discretized time horizon. The number of containers to be unloaded is determined in each time period, by each quay crane, at each ship bay location, along with the designated storage location at the yard side. The number of yard cranes needed at each storage yard block is also determined over the time horizon. Major capacity, time, and spatial constraints related to transshipment operations are taken into consideration. One insight from our numerical results is that restricting resources at the yard side will lead to an increase in required cranes at the quay side, and vice versa, which confirm results in earlier literature on single ship. However, we argue, via several counter examples, that single-ship solutions are not easily adaptable to multi-ship situations, which justifies the purpose of integrated formulations such as ours.

Collaborative Fleet Deployment and Routing for Sustainable Transport

Efficient multi-modal transportation in the hinterland of seaport terminals depends on consolidation of container volumes in support of frequent services of high capacity means of transport, such that sustainable multi-modal transport can compete with uni-modal road transport in cost and time. The tactical design of barge scheduled transport services involves fleet selection and routing through the inland waterway network. The resulting network service design should meet expected demand and service time requirements set by the shippers. We develop a tight MILP formulation for the Fleet Size and Mix Vehicle Routing (FSMVRP) especially adapted for the Port-Hinterland multi-modal barge network design. Also, an analytical model is developed to help understand important design trade-offs made. We consider the case of horizontal cooperation of dry port container terminals that share capacity. Our results show that in case of cooperation, both cost savings and service levels are improved, and allow for sustainable multi-modal transport to be competitive with uni-modal truck transport.

Asynchronous agent-based simulation and optimization of parallel business

A Port Container Terminal (PCT) involves complex business processes which are carried out by at least four organizations, namely PCT Operator, Customer, Quarantine and Customs. Each organization produces event log data from the activities. The event log data from the four organizations contain synchronous and asynchronous activities. In this research, the four organizations are represented by four agents. By simulating this log data using agent based simulation, we get the performance of the current business process. The performance indicators gathered are time and cost which are needed to do the activity (task). After the simulation is complete, we found Asynchronous Waiting Time (AWT). AWT is waiting time which happens because the agent in the simulation cannot do the newly assigned task because the agent is still working on the other task. Therefore, we parallelize the task performed by the agent so that the agent can do multiple tasks at a time. After we parallelize the task, we perform an optimization process using Stochastic Multicriteria Adaptability Analysis 2 (SMAA-2). Thus, the optimal amount of task an agent can do simultaneously is analyzed. This study result shows that parallelization can reduce AWT of the current system and the optimization process using SMAA-2 shows the most optimal number of multiple tasks an agent can do simultaneously.

Impact of megaships on the performance of port container terminals

Following the advent of megaships, the performance requirements of container terminals have increased significantly, highlighting necessary changes in their layout, infrastructure, and equipment. We focus on the impact of megaships on a terminal within the port network of the Italian Region of Liguria, in terms of its ability to manage the flow of imports from arrival to inland destinations. We use discrete event simulation techniques to analyze the operations of a terminal and evaluate the relevant performance indices in different scenarios, which vary as a function of the “call size” of the larger containerships. The possibility of guaranteeing a more balanced modal split (favoring rail transport) for the inland distribution of containers is also evaluated. Dwell times at the yard and turnaround times at the berth are considered, with the objective of achieving a modal split of inland transport consisting of no less than 40% rail. Our results show that this objective can be achieved if a higher dwell time for outgoing containers is allowed.

A reactive multi-agent approach for online (re)scheduling of resources in port container terminals

Abstract The container transfer chain management should be carried out taking into consideration the maximum possible of environment interactions. For this reason, integrated approaches have to be investigated for solving scheduling problems in port container terminals. In our work, we propose a reactive multi-agent system for simultaneous (re)scheduling of vessel, quay crane, operator and trucks. The system contains a scheduling agent in the form of a heuristic whose performance is validated by comparing its results with an associated constraint programming model. The multi-agent system dedicated for embedded systems is tested with a reactive approach when the heuristic is able to reschedule on real time once a perturbation occurs. The robust solution obtained could also be used as a starting plan followed by rescheduling procedure for unexpected events in a proactive approach. Simulation study shows that the reactive approach provides less deviation between planned and actual schedules which guarantees the work smoothness and avoids flow instability.

Portal cranes with Tandem spreaders and their economic benefits

This paper describes an innovative system of container reloading. The system involves Tandem spreaders included in portal cranes moving at the quay edge of maritime port container terminals. Thanks to the modern construction, it is possible to reload up to four ISO 1C containers at the same time, which not only reduces the reloading time, but also increases the reloading capacity of the terminal. The paper also discusses the economic aspects of the introduction of these new spreaders.

Efficiency and productivity of container terminals in Brazilian ports (2008–2017)

After the economic recession in which Brazil was immersed during the years 2015 and 2016, signs of recovery are perceived through port activity. The objective of this research is to analyze the efficiency and productivity of 20 container terminals in Brazilian ports for the 2008 to 2017 period. The methodology used is stochastic frontier analysis and operational port indicators including variables such as the frequency of calls. The most significant findings obtained from the efficiency analysis reveal that private terminal operators are more efficient. The average technical efficiency level was 0.66 in 2008 and in the last year 0.51.

IDENTIFICATION ISSUES AND PROBLEMS FOR COASTAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE GULF LAMPUNG (AN APPROACH OF SOCIAL ECOLOGICAL SYSTEM)

Lampung Province has a large potential of coastal and marine resources, but its utilization is not optimal. The aim of the research is to study the potential of coastal and marine resources and identification issues and problems for coastal and marine development program of the Lampung Bay with a social ecological system (SES) approach. The research location is the coastal area of Lampung Bay (Pesawaran District, South Lampung District, and Bandar Lampung City). The data collected by surveys and interviews, while also conducted Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Analysis of the data using the important value index (IVI). The interaction between the components of the resource with resource users, namely commodity of shrimp aquaculture, hatchery of shrimp seeds, seaweed, grouper aquaculture (KJA), capture fisheries, and ecotourism (marine tourism). Interaction between infrastructure components and infrastructure providers, namely long international port commodities, container terminals, jetties, and fish landing base (TPI). The important value index which is included in the category of issues and issues that are very important in carrying out development in the coastal area of Teluk Lampung is the economic field with a value of 2.55 and socio-institutional values of 2.52. 
 Keywords: 
 social ecological system, important value index, ICM and Lampung Bay

Optimization of the transfer function through handling productivity control in port container terminals

This paper investigates the efficiency of different models in shaping the transfer function of port container terminals by coordinating the handling equipment’s activity. Differences in the productivity of the handling equipment and the limited capacity of the storage area at berth generate deadlock situation that could be handle through three correlation procedures: (i) adjusting the productivity to the minimum when the storage area is fully used; (ii) on/off control of the most efficient equipment, and (iii) limitation of the productivity of the most performing equipment. These techniques and the variations in input elements (ships arrival rate, containers number to unload/load, berth storage area) are taken into account for choosing the best strategy of port activity. A simulation model, developed with ARENA software, is created to analyse the port activity. Beyond the analytical models that deal with one ship handling process, the simulation model could take into consideration the process on a period of time, allowing studying the impact of stochastic elements on the process. The model contains the following modules: the vessels arrival, waiting in harbour, anchorage, containers unloading/loading on the vessels, temporary storage at berth, container transfer to inland storage area, and vessel departure. Computer simulations allow analysing random variable of the vessels time spent in port. The mean value should be kept at minimum and thus the best handling strategy could be identified. In addition, the sensitivity of the results according to the variation of the input elements is obtained.

Governance and Collaboration in Regulatory Supervision

This article describes how in regulatory supervision some form of collaboration is necessary between regulator and company in the way evidence about compliance is collected and evaluated. How to arrange such collaboration? In this article, we investigate specific ideas about continuous control monitoring and apply them to regulatory supervision. By means of a design science approach, we propose a particular governance mechanism for continuous monitoring of compliance. We derive objectives based on the literature about regulatory supervision and about auditing. By means of a case study of a new customs supervision mechanism for container terminals in a large port, we identify legal, economic and technical feasibility conditions. In particular, we discuss the role of an intermediary. The case shows that continuous control monitoring is legally and technically feasible in the customs domain, and that a suitable party can be found to play the role of intermediary. However, a good business case for parties to invest in such a system needs to be developed.

The relationship between port choice and terminal involvement of alliance members in container shipping

This paper examines in which ways the changing organizational routines of shipping (i.e., alliance formation and vertical integration in container terminal operations) are affecting the selection of ports of call in intercontinental liner service networks. It first provides a conceptual analysis of the interplay between changes (a) in the organizational routines of shipping lines as part of alliances, (b) the organizational routines at the level of terminal operations (i.e. direct carrier equity involvement in terminal operations) and (c) in port calling patterns. The empirical part examines the relationship between port choice of alliance members and the direct involvement of shipping lines in container terminals in North-West European ports. It does so using binary and non-binary data on the evolution of calling patterns on the North Europe-Far East trade from 2006 to 2017. In addition, the changes in both alliance formation during that period and in the container terminal involvement of carriers in North West European ports are addressed. By examining the relationship between port calling patterns of alliances and the terminal interests of alliance members, the paper addresses an under-researched theme in the extant literature on port choice/selection by carriers. The paper is also of value to port managers and shipping professionals in view of port strategy and planning decisions, as well as shipping strategy formulation.

A biased random-key genetic algorithm for the time-invariant berth allocation and quay crane assignment problem

We address Berth Allocation and Quay Crane Assignment Problems in a heuristic wayWe propose a Biased Random-Key Genetic Algorithm for BACAP and its extension BACASPSolutions of the Genetic Algorithm are improved by a Local SearchThe complete procedure obtains high-quality solutions for large instances Maritime transportation plays a crucial role in the international economy. Port container terminals around the world compete to attract more traffic and are forced to offer better quality of service. This entails reducing operating costs and vessel service times. In doing so, one of the most important problems they face is the Berth Allocation and quay Crane Assignment Problem (BACAP). This problem consists of assigning a number of cranes and a berthing time and position to each calling vessel, aiming to minimize the total cost. An extension of this problem, known as the BACAP Specific (BACASP), also involves determining which specific cranes are to serve each vessel. In this paper, we address the variant of both BACAP and BACASP consisting of a continuous quay, with dynamic arrivals and time-invariant crane-to-vessel assignments. We propose a metaheuristic approach based on a Biased Random-key Genetic Algorithm with memetic characteristics and several Local Search procedures. The performance of this method, in terms of both time and quality of the solutions obtained, was tested in several computational experiments. The results show that our approach is able to find optimal solutions for some instances of up to 40 vessels and good solutions for instances of up to 100 vessels.

Analysis of the Efficiency of Port Container Terminals with the Use of the Data Envelopment Analysis Method of Relative Productivity Evaluation

Abstract The article presents a method for evaluating the efficiency of port container terminals. The research was conducted for nine European terminals which use different handling technologies. The terminals have been divided due to the level of automation of transport processes. In the efficiency research DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) method is applied, that was previously used in studies of the relative productivity in the industry. This method allows you to multicriteria process analysis based on the properly selected production system model processing input parameters on output. Conclusions from analysis can be a ground for making a decision on organizational or investment issues.