Stack-based yard template generation in automated container terminals under uncertainty

This paper addresses yard template generation problem in automated container terminals when the vessel arrival schedule is uncertain. Since the yard is central to terminal operations, yard management directly affects the efficiency of most equipment. Yard template functions as a tactical-level yard management strategy, allocating yard space to vessels that call at the port on a weekly basis. By analyzing the operational requirements of the various equipment, a yard template is developed in which the stack is the decision unit. Since the yard template will be in operation for an extended period of time, it is critical to account for potential uncertainty. This allows the yard template to effectively manage the yard throughout its duration. Accordingly, a two-stage stochastic programming model is formulated to generate yard template under uncertainty. An improved Benders decomposition algorithm with multiple acceleration strategies is designed to solve the proposed model. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is validated by numerical experiments. Moreover, some management insights are obtained, such as the impact of uncertain vessel arrival schedule on stack-based yard template and a comparative analysis of stacking strategies in the context of uncertainty.